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Liver International : Official Journal... Jun 2024Muscle cramps are common among persons with cirrhosis and are associated with poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Treatment options are limited. We compared...
BACKGROUND
Muscle cramps are common among persons with cirrhosis and are associated with poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Treatment options are limited. We compared stretching or meditation in a randomized-controlled trial (RCT).
PATIENTS
We enrolled 98 patients with a history of >4 muscle cramps in the prior month from 7/22-7/23. We randomized patients 1:1 to stretching versus meditation for 35 days. Our primary outcome was the change in cramp severity measured by the visual analogue scale for cramps (VAS-cramps, scaled 0-10). Secondary outcomes included a patient global impression of change (PGIC), change in sleep quality and global HRQOL measured using the EQ-5D and VAS-global HRQOL.
RESULTS
Overall, 48% of patients had cirrhosis, 40% had diabetes, 16% the median age was 63, most were women (67%) and 81% were college educated. Both arms experienced a reduction in cramp severity-a median of 1.44 (.58-2.29) points for stretching and 1.97 (1.01-2.93) points for meditation. These changes were significant changes from baseline (p = .001 for stretching, p < .0001 for meditation) but these changes were equivalent between arms (p = .4). The PGIC was improved: 1.33 (1.02-1.65) for stretching, 1.05 (.70-1.41) for meditation, p-difference .2. Sleep was also improved for both. HRQOL did not change according to the Eq5D; according to the VAS, HRQOL rose for meditation by 6 (.1-11.8) points but not for stretching. More patients recommended stretching than meditation (79.2% vs. 55.3%, p = .02).
CONCLUSION
In a randomized trial, stretching and meditation both reduced cramp severity and improved sleep quality and global impression of change. While patients preferred stretching, there was no difference in effect between arms.
PubMed: 38860445
DOI: 10.1111/liv.16007 -
Hand Surgery & Rehabilitation Jun 2024Forearm chronic exertional compartment syndrome is a rare condition in athletes and musicians who perform repeated prolonged forced gripping movements. It mainly affects... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
INTRODUCTION
Forearm chronic exertional compartment syndrome is a rare condition in athletes and musicians who perform repeated prolonged forced gripping movements. It mainly affects young men, and presents with cramp-like pain, beginning on the anteromedial side of the forearm and progressively extending to the entire circumference, and may be associated with muscle weakness and neurologic symptoms. The objective of this study was to report preliminary results of ultrasound-guided fasciotomy in the treatment of forearm chronic exertional compartment syndrome.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A single-center retrospective observational study was conducted. Forearm chronic exertional compartment syndrome was diagnosed on clinical presentation and pathological intramuscular pressure measurement, defined as >30 mmHg at 1 min after effort. The series comprised 7 men, with bilateral involvement. Mean age was 30 years. All patients were motorcyclists. The mean preoperative intramuscular pressure at 1 min after effort was 60.75 mmHg (range: 30-81 mmHg). The main study endpoint was change in pain on visual analogic scale. Secondary endpoints comprised patient satisfaction, change in competitive sports level, and time to return to sport. Complications were noted.
RESULTS
Six patients (12 forearms) were evaluated. Mean follow-up was 22.5 months (range: 3-48 months). Mean pain rating was 7.3/10 (range: 6-9) preoperatively, and 0/10 postoperatively. All patients were satisfied with the procedure. Mean time to return to sports was 25.5 days (range: 21-30 days). No patients decreased their competitive sports level after the procedure. One patient presented a postoperative hematoma, not requiring surgery.
CONCLUSION
Ultrasound-guided fasciotomy in the treatment of Forearm chronic exertional compartment syndrome is an innovative technique with promising preliminary results.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
IV; retrospective cohort.
Topics: Humans; Fasciotomy; Male; Adult; Retrospective Studies; Ultrasonography, Interventional; Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome; Young Adult; Forearm; Patient Satisfaction; Middle Aged; Return to Sport; Pain Measurement
PubMed: 38782365
DOI: 10.1016/j.hansur.2024.101719 -
The Journal of the Association of... Jan 2024A 15-year-old girl arrived with her father. She reported experiencing discomfort and cramps in her right arm while writing for the past 3 months. Her father had observed...
A 15-year-old girl arrived with her father. She reported experiencing discomfort and cramps in her right arm while writing for the past 3 months. Her father had observed a palpable lump medially in her right mid-arm. She mentioned variations in the size of the lump on occasion. She denied experiencing any notable pain in the lump.
Topics: Humans; Female; Muscle Cramp; Adolescent; Arm; Writing
PubMed: 38736085
DOI: 10.59556/japi.71.0437 -
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian... Apr 2024Patients with chronic kidney disease, as a common disorder, usually necessitate the implementation of hemodialysis. Muscle cramps are one of the most disabling... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Patients with chronic kidney disease, as a common disorder, usually necessitate the implementation of hemodialysis. Muscle cramps are one of the most disabling complications affecting their quality of life.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to investigate the efficacy of acupuncture as a safe alternative to the management of pain severity and frequency of calf cramps in dialysis patients compared to a control group.
METHODS
Fifty dialysis patients experiencing calf cramps who met the eligibility criteria were randomly allocated to two groups. Group A received routine management, including analgesic consumption, stretching exercises, and nine acupuncture sessions, including acupoints BL57, GV26, CV4, CV6, LV3, KI 1, LU7, LU9, and GB34. Group B underwent sham acupuncture therapy at locations other than the primary acupoints in addition to following the specified routine management. The pain severity was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS), and the daily frequency of calf cramps was evaluated at baseline and one month after treatment completion.
RESULTS
VAS scores and the frequency of calf cramps were improved one month after treatment completion in both groups. However, the improvement was significant in group A ( < 0.001), while it was not statistically significant in group B ( > 0.05). There was also a significant difference between both groups regarding reducing pain and the frequency of calf cramps, which showed the efficacy of acupuncture compared to the control group ( < 0.0001).
CONCLUSION
Acupuncture can decrease pain and frequency of calf cramps in dialysis patients.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Male; Muscle Cramp; Acupuncture Therapy; Renal Dialysis; Adult; Pain Management; Treatment Outcome; Acupuncture Points; Aged; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Pain; Pain Measurement
PubMed: 38686428
DOI: 10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.2.47 -
MMW Fortschritte Der Medizin Apr 2024
Topics: Humans; Leg; Muscle Cramp
PubMed: 38581524
DOI: 10.1007/s15006-024-3827-1 -
Acta Neurologica Belgica Apr 2024Writer's cramp is a task-specific focal hand dystonia, which is diagnosed clinically. Quantification of defect in WC is done using clinical scales, while digitized...
BACKGROUND
Writer's cramp is a task-specific focal hand dystonia, which is diagnosed clinically. Quantification of defect in WC is done using clinical scales, while digitized platforms are lacking.
OBJECTIVE
To design and test a platform that can differentiate and quantify the abnormal kinematics of writing using a software interface and to validate it in adult-onset isolated writer's cramp (WC).
METHODS
A native platform was designed using Java and Wacom Intuos pro tablet and the data analyzed using a MATLAB-based platform called Large Data-Based Evaluation of Kinematics in Handwriting (LEKH). We standardized this new platform by comparing the handwriting between patients with WC and age, and gender and education-matched healthy controls, using standard tasks to assess the kinematics.
RESULTS
Comparison of the writing of right-handed WC patients (N = 21) and 39 healthy controls (N = 39) showed that patients differed from controls in the frequency of strokes (P < 0.001), number of inversions of velocity (P < 0.001), number of breaks (P = 0.02), air time and paper time (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Using the LEKH platform, the kinematic profile of patients with WC could be differentiated from healthy controls. Studies in larger samples will be needed to derive statistical models that can differentiate the flexion and extension types of WC which can help in muscle selection and to quantify the effects of treatment.
PubMed: 38575842
DOI: 10.1007/s13760-024-02532-x -
Muscle & Nerve Jul 2024The utilization of virtual reality (VR) and biofeedback training, while effective in diverse populations, remains limited in the treatment of Duchenne and Becker... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
INTRODUCTION/AIMS
The utilization of virtual reality (VR) and biofeedback training, while effective in diverse populations, remains limited in the treatment of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (D/BMD). This study aimed to determine the feasibility of VR in children with D/BMD and compare the effectiveness of VR and biofeedback in children with D/BMD.
METHODS
The study included 25 children with D/BMD. Eight children in the control group participated in a routine follow-up rehabilitation program, while the remaining children were randomly assigned to the VR (n = 9) and biofeedback (n = 8) groups for a 12-week intervention. The following evaluations were performed before, during (week 6), and after treatment: Muscle pain and cramps, laboratory studies, muscle strength, timed performance, function (Motor Function Measurement Scale-32, Vignos, and Brooke Scales), and balance (Pediatric Functional Reach Test and Balance Master System). Motivation for rehabilitation was determined.
RESULTS
The median ages were 9.00 (VR), 8.75 (biofeedback), and 7.00 (control) years. The study found no significant differences between groups in pretreatment assessments for most measures, except for tandem step width (p < .05). VR and biofeedback interventions significantly improved various aspects (pain intensity, cramp frequency, cramp severity, muscle strength, timed performance, functional level, and balance) in children with D/BMD (p < .05), while the conventional rehabilitation program maintained patients' current status without any changes. The study found VR and biofeedback equally effective, with VR maintaining children's motivation for rehabilitation longer (p < .05).
DISCUSSION
The study showed that both VR and biofeedback appear to be effective for rehabilitation this population, but additional, larger studies are needed.
Topics: Humans; Child; Male; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne; Biofeedback, Psychology; Female; Virtual Reality; Muscle Strength; Feasibility Studies; Treatment Outcome; Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy; Adolescent; Postural Balance
PubMed: 38558014
DOI: 10.1002/mus.28084 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2024Muscle cramps are typically regarded as benign muscle overactivity in healthy individuals, whereas spasms are linked to spasticity resulting from central motor lesions.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Muscle cramps are typically regarded as benign muscle overactivity in healthy individuals, whereas spasms are linked to spasticity resulting from central motor lesions. However, their striking similarities made us hypothesize that cramping is an under-recognized and potentially misidentified aspect of spasticity.
METHODS
A systematic search on spasms and cramps in patients with Upper Motor Neuron Disorder (spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, and stroke) was carried out in Embase/Medline, aiming to describe the definitions, characteristics, and measures of spasms and cramps that are used in the scientific literature.
RESULTS
The search identified 4,202 studies, of which 253 were reviewed: 217 studies documented only muscle spasms, 7 studies reported only cramps, and 29 encompassed both. Most studies ( = 216) lacked explicit definitions for either term. One-half omitted any description and when present, the clinical resemblance was significant. Various methods quantified cramp/spasm frequency, with self-reports being the most common approach.
CONCLUSION
Muscle cramps and spasms probably represent related symptoms with a shared pathophysiological component. When considering future treatment strategies, it is important to recognize that part of the patient's spasms may be attributed to cramps.
PubMed: 38497037
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1360521 -
The Journal of Emergency Medicine Apr 2024Literature on systemic envenomation caused by tarantula bites, particularly from the Theraphosidae family, is relatively scarce. This case report provides a formal...
BACKGROUND
Literature on systemic envenomation caused by tarantula bites, particularly from the Theraphosidae family, is relatively scarce. This case report provides a formal description of the first known instance of systemic envenomation caused by the Socotra Island Blue Baboon Tarantula (Monocentropus balfouri).
CASE REPORT
In this case, a 23-year-old employee of an exotic pet shop suffered from perioral paresthesia, generalized muscle cramps, and rhabdomyolysis because of a Monocentropus balfouri bite. His symptoms were successfully relieved with oral benzodiazepines. EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: This case highlights the potential for serious complications resulting from the bite of Monocentropus balfouri, a species gaining popularity among global exotic pet collectors.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Young Adult; Adult; Muscle Cramp; Spider Bites; Paresthesia; Spasm; Spiders; Rhabdomyolysis
PubMed: 38462393
DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2023.12.006 -
European Journal of Oncology Nursing :... Apr 2024This study aimed to explore the incidence and severity of vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN) in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) survivors (primary aim) and its...
Acute, long-term or non-vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy among non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivors: Symptoms, daily activities, functional status, and quality of life.
PURPOSE
This study aimed to explore the incidence and severity of vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN) in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) survivors (primary aim) and its impact on daily life by comparing common cancer symptoms, functional status, and quality of life (QoL) among survivors with acute, long-term, and non-VIPN (secondary aim).
METHODS
This cross-sectional study examined 144 NHL survivors. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess common cancer symptoms, functional status, and QoL with the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer - Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30). VIPN (Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy) status was classified using EORTC-QLQ-CIPN20. A self-designed interference scale was developed to determine the impact of the VIPN on daily activities. The Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman rank correlation were used in this study.
RESULTS
Among the survivors of acute and long-term VIPN, the highest incidences and most severe symptoms were found for hand numbness and foot cramps. A significant moderate correlation was found between disturbances in daily activities and acute or long-term VIPN, including gait changes, going up or down the stairs, and imbalance-related falls. Acute and long-term VIPN survivors showed worse symptoms (fatigue, insomnia, and constipation) and lower QoL than non-VIPN survivors did. In acute VIPN, social function was significantly affected, whereas in long-term VIPN, emotional and cognitive functions were affected.
CONCLUSION
Numbness and cramps should be addressed in survivors of acute and long-term VIPN. Preventing falls is recommended for NHL survivors with VIPN, and psychological support is suggested for long-term VIPN survivors.
Topics: Humans; Vincristine; Quality of Life; Cross-Sectional Studies; Functional Status; Hypesthesia; Muscle Cramp; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Survivors; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Neoplasms
PubMed: 38461728
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2024.102540