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Sports Medicine - Open May 2024Recovery strategies are used to enhance performance and reduce injury risk in athletes. In previous systematic reviews, individual recovery strategies were investigated...
BACKGROUND
Recovery strategies are used to enhance performance and reduce injury risk in athletes. In previous systematic reviews, individual recovery strategies were investigated to clarify their effectiveness for mixed groups of athletes. However, the current evidence is ambiguous, and a clear overview of (training) recovery for endurance athletes is still lacking.
METHODS
We conducted an umbrella review based on a literature search in PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Web of Science. Reviews published in English and before December 2022 were included. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were eligible if they investigated the effectiveness of one or more recovery strategies compared with a placebo or control group after a training session in endurance athletes.
RESULTS
Twenty-two reviews (nine systematic reviews, three meta-analyses, and ten systematic reviews with meta-analyses included) met the inclusion criteria. In total, sixty-three studies with 1100 endurance athletes were included in our umbrella review. Out of the sixty-three studies, eight provided information on training recovery time frame for data synthesis. Among them, cryotherapy and compression garments showed positive effects, while applying massage showed no effect. In general, none of the included recovery strategies showed consistent benefits for endurance athletes.
CONCLUSION
There is no particular recovery strategy that can be advised to enhance recovery between training sessions or competitions in endurance athletes. However, individual studies suggest that compression garments and cryotherapy are effective training recovery strategies. Further research should improve methodology and focus on the different time courses of the recovery process.
REGISTRATION
The review protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews with the number CRD42021260509.
PubMed: 38753045
DOI: 10.1186/s40798-024-00724-6 -
BMC Sports Science, Medicine &... May 2024Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a common condition affecting the masticatory muscles and joint mobility.
BACKGROUND
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a common condition affecting the masticatory muscles and joint mobility.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objective was to compare the effects of massage therapy alone and massage therapy combined with post-isometric relaxation exercises in patients with TMD for pain and maximal mouth opening.
DESIGN
Assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial.
SETTING
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Chaudhry Muhammad Akram Dental Hospital, Lahore Medical and Dental Hospital.
SUBJECTS
Temporomandibular joint disorder patients.
INTERVENTION
Group A (n = 23) received conventional treatment including massage and therapeutic exercises consecutively for 2 weeks. Group B (n = 23) received post-isometric relaxation technique along with conventional treatment for consecutive 2 weeks.
MAIN MEASURES
The main outcome measures were pain and maximal mouth opening. Pain was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and maximal mouth opening (MMO) was measured using the TheraBite Scale.
RESULTS
Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in pain and MMO scores post-treatment. However, Group B (massage with post-isometric relaxation exercises) showed significantly better outcomes compared to Group A (massage alone). There was a statistically significant difference in post-treatment pain scores (P = 0.000) and MMO scores (P = 0.000) between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
The results suggest that massage therapy combined with post-isometric relaxation is more effective than massage therapy alone in managing pain and improving mouth opening in TMD patients. The study provides evidence supporting the use of these therapies in TMD management.
TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER
NCT05810831. Date of registration/First submission: 15 March 2023.
PubMed: 38750518
DOI: 10.1186/s13102-024-00865-x -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Physical inactivity is a risk factor for obesity and non-communicable diseases. Despite myriad health and non-health benefits resulting from physical activity (PA), most... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
INTRODUCTION
Physical inactivity is a risk factor for obesity and non-communicable diseases. Despite myriad health and non-health benefits resulting from physical activity (PA), most individuals do not meet PA recommendations. Providing an incentive for meeting activity goals may increase activity levels. Classical economists argue that cash is the best incentive. Behavioral economists have posited that hedonic (pleasurable) incentives (e.g., massages, restaurant meals) may be superior to cash when incentives are offered over multiple time periods. To date, no studies have directly compared the effectiveness of cash versus hedonic incentives in promoting PA across multiple time periods.
METHODS
We conducted a two-arm, parallel, 4-month randomized controlled trial with healthy adults in Singapore where participants were randomized to either cash or hedonic incentives. Participants could earn up to SGD50 (≈USD37) in cash or hedonic incentives each month they met the study's step target of 10,000 steps daily on at least 20/25 days out of the first 28 days of a month. The primary objective was to compare the mean proportion of months that participants met the step target between the two arms.
RESULTS
By month 4, participants in the cash ( = 154) and hedonic incentive ( = 156) arms increased their mean daily steps by 870 ( < 0.001) and 1,000 steps ( < 0.001), respectively. The mean proportion of months the step target was achieved was 90.53 and 88.34 for participants in the cash and hedonic incentive arms respectively, but differences across arms were small and not statistically significant for this or any outcome assessed.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that both cash and hedonic incentives are effective at promoting physical activity but that neither strategy is clearly superior.: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04618757 registered on November 6, 2020.
Topics: Humans; Motivation; Female; Male; Singapore; Exercise; Adult; Middle Aged; Health Promotion; Reward
PubMed: 38745998
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1354814 -
PloS One 2024Synthesizing current evidence on interventions to improve survival outcomes in preterm infants is crucial for informing programs and policies. The objective of this... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Synthesizing current evidence on interventions to improve survival outcomes in preterm infants is crucial for informing programs and policies. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of topical emollient oil application on the weight of preterm infants.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted. To identify relevant studies, comprehensive searches were conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Clinical trials, ProQuest Central, Epistemonikos, and gray literature sources. The inclusion criteria were based on the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes) format. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0). Data analysis was performed using StataCrop MP V.17 software, which included evaluating heterogeneity, conducting subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and meta-regression. The findings were reported in accordance with the PRISMA checklist, and the review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023413770).
RESULTS
Out of the initial pool of 2734 articles, a total of 18 studies involving 1454 preterm neonates were included in the final analysis. Fourteen of these studies provided data that contributed to the calculation of the pooled difference in mean weight gain in preterm neonates. The random effects meta-analysis revealed a significant pooled difference in mean weight gain of 52.15 grams (95% CI: 45.96, 58.35), albeit with high heterogeneity (I2 > 93.24%, p 0.000). Subgroup analyses were conducted, revealing that preterm infants who received massages three times daily with either sunflower oil or coconut oil exhibited greater mean differences in weight gain. Meta-regression analysis indicated that the type of emollient oil, duration of therapy, and frequency of application significantly contributed to the observed heterogeneity. A sensitivity analysis was performed, excluding two outlier studies, resulting in a pooled mean weight difference of 78.57grams (95% CI: 52.46, 104.68). Among the nine studies that reported adverse events, only two mentioned occurrences of rash and accidental slippage in the intervention groups.
CONCLUSION
The available evidence suggests that the application of topical emollient oil in preterm neonates is likely to be effective in promoting weight gain, with a moderate-to-high level of certainty. Based on these findings, it is recommended that local policymakers and health planners prioritize the routine use of emollient oils in newborn care for preterm infants. By incorporating emollient oils into standard care protocols, healthcare providers can provide additional support to promote optimal growth and development in preterm infants.
Topics: Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Emollients; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Administration, Topical; Weight Gain
PubMed: 38743769
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302969 -
Panminerva Medica May 2024
PubMed: 38743038
DOI: 10.23736/S0031-0808.24.05057-2 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024The effect of first-line complex decongestive therapy (CDT) for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) depending on various factors forces patients to seek additional...
BACKGROUND
The effect of first-line complex decongestive therapy (CDT) for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) depending on various factors forces patients to seek additional treatment. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of different conservative medical interventions as a complement to CDT. This is the first meta-analysis that includes various kinds of conservative treatments as adjunctive therapy to get broader knowledge and improve practical application value, which can provide recommendations to further improve BCRL patients' health status.
METHODS
RCTs published before 18 December 2023 from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched. RCTs that compared the effects of conservative medical intervention were included. A random-effects or fixed-effects model was used based on the heterogeneity findings. Study quality was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.
RESULTS
Sixteen RCTs with 690 participants were included, comparing laser therapy, intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC), extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), electrotherapy, ultrasound, diet or diet in combination with synbiotic supplement, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), continuous passive motion (CPM), and negative pressure massage treatment (NMPT). The results revealed that conservative medical intervention as complement to CDT had benefits in improving lymphedema in volume/circumference of the upper extremity [SMD = -0.30, 95% CI = (-0.45, -0.15), < 0.05, 51%], visual analog score (VAS) for pain [SMD = -3.35, 95% CI (-5.37, -1.33), < 0.05, 96%], quality of life [SMD = 0.44, 95% CI (0.19, 0.69), < 0.05, 0], and DASH/QuickDASH [SMD = -0.42, 95% CI (-0.70, -0.14), < 0.05, 10%] compared with the control group. Subgroup analysis revealed that laser therapy and electrotherapy are especially effective ( < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Combining conservative medical interventions with CDT appears to have a positive effect on certain BCRL symptoms, especially laser therapy and electrotherapy. It showed a better effect on patients under 60 years old, and laser therapy of low to moderate intensity (5-24 mW, 1.5-2 J/cm) and of moderate- to long-term duration (≥36-72 sessions) showed better effects.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=354824, identifier CRD42022354824.
PubMed: 38737896
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1361128 -
Global Advances in Integrative Medicine... 2024Patients seeking integrative health and medicine (IHM) modalities often present with multiple physical and psychological concerns. Research supports IHM's effectiveness...
BACKGROUND
Patients seeking integrative health and medicine (IHM) modalities often present with multiple physical and psychological concerns. Research supports IHM's effectiveness for addressing symptoms over longer time periods. However, few studies have evaluated immediate outpatient effects.
OBJECTIVE
This study describes pre-encounter patient-reported outcome (PRO) clusters and examines the immediate clinical effectiveness of IHM modalities on pain, stress, and anxiety among outpatients with moderate-to-severe symptoms.
METHODS
A retrospective review was conducted of encounters among adults presenting to outpatient acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, integrative medicine consultation, or osteopathic manipulation treatment between January 2019 and July 2020. Encounters were included if patients reported pre-encounter pain, stress, or anxiety ≥4 on a numeric rating scale (NRS). Outcome analyses included random effects for patient and provider using a mixed model.
RESULTS
Across 7335 clinical encounters among 2530 unique patients (mean age: 49.14 years; 81.0% female; 75.9% White; 15.8% Black/African American), the most common pre-encounter PRO clusters were pain, stress, and anxiety ≥4 (32.4%); pain ≥4 only (31.3%); and stress and anxiety ≥4 (15.6%). Clinically meaningful single-encounter mean [95% CI] changes were observed across all modalities in pain (-2.50 [-2.83, -2.17]), stress (-3.22 [-3.62, -2.82]), and anxiety (-3.05 [-3.37, -2.73]).
CONCLUSION
Patients presenting to outpatient IHM with moderate-to-severe symptoms most often presented with pain, stress, and anxiety ≥4 on the NRS. Multiple IHM modalities yielded clinically meaningful (≥2 unit) immediate reductions in these symptoms. Future research measuring immediate and longitudinal effectiveness is needed to optimize the triage and coordination of IHM modalities to meet patients' needs.
PubMed: 38737216
DOI: 10.1177/27536130241254070 -
European Journal of Midwifery 2024Perineal trauma is associated with both short- and long-term morbidity which in turn relates to the degree of trauma. The objective of this study was to understand...
INTRODUCTION
Perineal trauma is associated with both short- and long-term morbidity which in turn relates to the degree of trauma. The objective of this study was to understand midwives' practices regarding perineal protection during the second phase of labor, emphasizing decision-making to perform an episiotomy.
METHODS
A descriptive and explanatory study was conducted with an intentional sample of twenty-two midwives working in the labor ward of a tertiary hospital in a metropolitan location and in the public service, in Portugal. A semi-open interview was applied to collect the data from 5 to 15 January 2019. The computer software package, NVivo version 10, was used to perform the thematic analysis.
RESULTS
Four main themes arose from the midwives' data: 1) Factors affecting the application of perineal protection techniques', 2) Birth position, 3) Techniques for perineal protection, and 4) Episiotomy. The reasons for performing an episiotomy were the presence of tense perineum, large weight baby, previous obstetric anal sphincter injury, and Kristeller maneuver.
CONCLUSIONS
Midwives' practices regarding perineal protection techniques and reasons for performing an episiotomy were not all in line with the evidence. Perineal massage was not mentioned as a perineal protection technique.
PubMed: 38736456
DOI: 10.18332/ejm/174126 -
Pilot and Feasibility Studies May 2024
Correction: Swedish massage as an adjunct approach to Help suppOrt individuals Pregnant after Experiencing a prior Stillbirth (HOPES): a convergent parallel mixed‑methods single‑arm feasibility trial protocol.
PubMed: 38734614
DOI: 10.1186/s40814-024-01506-3 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of application-linked stretching ball instruments that record the rolling time and force of patients compared with a...
: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of application-linked stretching ball instruments that record the rolling time and force of patients compared with a traditional simple stretching ball. : Fourteen participants with plantar fasciitis were divided into a simple massage ball group (group A, n = 8) and an application-linked massage ball group (group B, n = 6). The application-linked massage ball sends information regarding the massages, such as the frequency and force of the massage on the foot, to the application on the patient's smartphone. All clinical outcomes were evaluated at the beginning of the study and 1-, 2-, and 3-month follow-up. The primary outcome measure was the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) score. : At the beginning of the study, the initial MOXFQ score was not significantly different between the two groups ( = 0.948). At each time point, the MOXFQ score of the whole population did not improve significantly compared to that of the initial state ( = 0.131). Generalized estimating equation modeling demonstrated that there was no significant difference in the improvement of the MOXFQ score between groups A and B during follow-up ( = 0.826). In addition, no group-by-time interactions were observed ( = 0.457). : The efficacy of an application-linked massage ball for the treatment of plantar fasciitis was not as definite as that of a traditional simple stretching ball in patients whose symptoms persisted for at least six months. Future studies that include patients with acute plantar fasciitis are required.
PubMed: 38731253
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092722