The Development and Validation of a Low Back Pain Knowledge Questionnaire – LKQ

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop and validate a questionnaire on specific knowledge about low back pain entitled "The Low Back Pain Knowledge Questionnaire". INTRODUCTION: There is a need for instruments to assess patient knowledge regarding chronic illness. Such methods can contribute to the education of patients. METHODS: The Low Back Pain Knowledge Questionnaire was developed through five focus groups. The questionnaire was distributed to 50 patients to assess their comprehension of the terms. To assess the reproducibility, 20 patients were surveyed by two different interviewers on the same day and twice by a single interviewer with a one-to-two week interval. For the construct validation, the Low Back Pain Knowledge Questionnaire was given to 20 healthcare professionals with knowledge on low back pain and 20 patients to determine whether the questionnaire would discriminate between the two different populations. To assess the sensitivity of the questionnaire to changes in the knowledge level of the patients, it was given to 60 patients who were randomly assigned to the Intervention Group and the Control Group. The Intervention Group answered the questionnaire both before and after attending a chronic back pain educational program (back school), whereas the Control Group answered the questionnaire twice with an interval of one month and no educational intervention. RESULTS: The focus groups generated a questionnaire with 16 items. The Spearman's correlation coefficient and the intra-class correlation coefficients ranged from 0.61 to 0.95 in the assessments of the intra-observer and inter-observer reproducibility (p< 0.01). In the construct validation, the healthcare professionals and patients showed statistically different scores (p< 0.001). In the phase regarding the sensitivity to change, the Intervention Group exhibited a significant increase in their specific knowledge over the Control Group (p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: The Low Back Pain Knowledge Questionnaire was validated and proved to be reproducible, valid and sensitive to changes in patient knowledge

EFFECTIVENESS of A NIGHT-TIME HAND POSITIONING SPLINT in RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a night-time hand positioning splint in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.Design: Randomized controlled trial.Methods: Fifty patients with rheumatoid arthritis were divided randomly into 2 groups. the study group used a night-time splint starting at baseline, while the control group used the splint only, during evaluations. All patients attended evaluations wearing their splints, so that the assessor remained blinded to patient allocation. the splints used in the control group were stored in a cabinet between assessments. Participants were evaluated at baseline, 45 and 90 days, using the visual analogue scale for pain; the Jamar dynamometer for grip strength; a pinch gauge for pinch strength; a Health Assessment Questionnaire for function; the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire for upper limb disability and symptoms; and a Likert scale for patient satisfaction with treatment.Results: the groups were homogenous for all parameters at baseline. Pain, Health Assessment Questionnaire score, DASH score, grip strength and pinch strength were significantly different between groups over time and satisfaction with the splint was reported as better and much better by most participants.Conclusion: the use of a night-time hand positioning splint reduces pain, improves grip and pinch strength, upper limb function and functional status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Div Rheumatol, BR-04023900 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Div Rheumatol, BR-04023900 São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

ASSESSMENT of the EFFECTIVENESS of A FUNCTIONAL SPLINT for OSTEOARTHRITIS of the TRAPEZIOMETACARPAL JOINT of the DOMINANT HAND: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a functional splint for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis.Methods: Forty patients with a diagnosis of painful trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis of the dominant hand were randomized into 2 groups. the study group received the splint at baseline and used it during activities of daily living for 180 days and the control group used the splint only during the evaluations for the first 90 days and during activities of daily living for the following 90 days. Pain, strength, hand function and dexterity (with and without splint) were measured by a blinded assessor at baseline, 45, 90 and 180 days.Results: the groups were homogenous at baseline for all outcomes evaluated. Pain without the splint was significantly different between groups over time; the study group experienced a decrease in pain beginning with the first evaluation (45 days), whereas the control group achieved a lower pain score only at the end of the study, after having used the splint for 90 days. No significant differences between groups were found for the other parameters.Conclusion: Splint use during activities of daily living for patients with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis reduces pain, but does not alter function, grip strength, pinch strength or dexterity.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Div Rheumatol, Rheumatol Rehabil Sect, Disciplina Reumatol, BR-04023900 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Div Rheumatol, Rheumatol Rehabil Sect, Disciplina Reumatol, BR-04023900 São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Assessment of light touch sensation in the hands of systemic sclerosis patients

INTRODUCTION: Systemic sclerosis is a relatively rare connective tissue disorder characterized by severe and progressive fibrosis of the skin. Due to the current lack of available information on this subject, the aim of the present study was to assess light touch sensations in the hands of patients with systemic sclerosis. METHODS: We completed a cross-sectional comparative study. Light touch sensations were evaluated in 30 individuals, including 15 patients with systemic sclerosis who exhibited changes in the dermis of their hands without loss of the distal phalanx and 15 subjects who did not exhibit changes in the upper limbs (control group). The groups were age- and sex-matched. Tactile sensory evaluations were performed using the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test and the two-point discrimination test. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between groups in the monofilament test. The study group had lower scores across all points of the hand when compared with the control group. Differences were also found when dominant and non-dominant hands were compared (

Validation of the Brazilian-Portuguese Version of the Gesture Behavior Test for Patients with Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain

OBJECTIVE: To develop a Brazilian version of the gesture behavior test (GBT) for patients with chronic low back pain. METHODS: Translation of GBT into Portuguese was performed by a rheumatologist fluent in the language of origin (French) and skilled in the validation of questionnaires. This translated version was back-translated into French by a native-speaking teacher of the language. The two translators then created a final consensual version in Portuguese. Cultural adaptation was carried out by two rheumatologists, one educated patient and the native-speaking French teacher. Thirty patients with chronic low back pain and fifteen healthcare professionals involved in the education of patients with low back pain through back schools (gold-standard) were evaluated. Reproducibility was initially tested by two observers (inter-observer); the procedures were also videotaped for later evaluation by one of the observers (intra-observer). For construct validation, we compared patients' scores against the scores of the healthcare professionals. RESULTS: Modifications were made to the GBT for cultural reasons. The Spearman's correlation coefficient and the intra-class coefficient, which was employed to measure reproducibility, ranged between 0.87 and 0.99 and 0.94 to 0.99, respectively (p < 0.01). With regard to validation, the Mann-Whitney test revealed a significant difference (p < 0.01) between the averages for healthcare professionals (26.60; SD 2.79) and patients (16.30; SD 6.39). There was a positive correlation between the GBT score and the score on the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (r= 0.47). CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian version of the GBT proved to be a reproducible and valid instrument. In addition, according to the questionnaire results, more disabled patients exhibited more protective gesture behavior related to low-back

Assessment of light touch sensation in the hands of systemic sclerosis patients

INTRODUCTION: Systemic sclerosis is a relatively rare connective tissue disorder characterized by severe and progressive fibrosis of the skin. Due to the current lack of available information on this subject, the aim of the present study was to assess light touch sensations in the hands of patients with systemic sclerosis.METHODS: We completed a cross-sectional comparative study. Light touch sensations were evaluated in 30 individuals, including 15 patients with systemic sclerosis who exhibited changes in the dermis of their hands without loss of the distal phalanx and 15 subjects who did not exhibit changes in the upper limbs (control group). The groups were age- and sex-matched. Tactile sensory evaluations were performed using the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test and the two-point discrimination test.RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between groups in the monofilament test. The study group had lower scores across all points of the hand when compared with the control group. Differences were also found when dominant and non-dominant hands were compared (p<0.05). Statistically significant differences were found between groups for a subset of the assessed points in the two-point discrimination test.CONCLUSIONS: The results of a monofilament test showed that tactile sensation, specifically light touch and deep pressure sensations, is altered in the hands of systemic sclerosis patients.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Disciplina de ReumatologiaUNIFESP, Disciplina de ReumatologiaSciEL

Educational groups for ankylosing spondylitis patients: systematic review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting sacroiliac joints, the spine in different degrees and in lesser extension peripheral joints. Among non-pharmacological treatments, educational groups have been recommended as major coadjuvants to treat this disease. This study aimed at reviewing the literature on scientific evidences of educational groups for AS patients. METHOD: The following databases were reviewed: LILACS, Medline, Web of Science and PEDro. Words for systematic search were extracted from Health Sciences Keywords (HSC). RESULTS: Nine scientific articles were found between 1990 and 2012. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to select and analyze studies, including scientific articles especially addressing educational groups as treatment approaches for AS patients. CONCLUSION: Literature on educational groups as coadjuvant to treat such patients is scarce. Further studies are needed to show group formats, number and content of classes, in addition to evaluating their effectiveness.JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A espondilite anquilosante (EA) é uma doença inflamatória, crônica, que acomete as articulações sacroilíacas, em graus variáveis a coluna vertebral e, em menor extensão as articulações periféricas. Dentre as formas de tratamento não medicamentoso, os grupos educacionais têm sido recomendados como importante coadjuvante no tratamento da doença. O objetivo deste estudo foi rever na literatura as evidências científicas sobre grupos educacionais para pacientes com EA. MÉTODO: A revisão foi realizada nas Bases de dados LILACS, Medline, Web of Science e PEDro. Os termos para busca sistemática foram extraídos dos Descritores em Ciências da Saúde (DeCS). RESULTADOS: Foram localizados nove artigos científicos no período de 1990 a 2012. Na seleção e análise dos estudos foram utilizados critérios de inclusão e exclusão, incluído artigos científicos que abordassem principalmente os grupos educacionais como forma de tratamento para os pacientes com EA. CONCLUSÃO: A literatura a respeito dos grupos educacionais como coadjuvante no tratamento desses pacientes é escassa. Futuros estudos mostrando os formatos dos grupos, duração, quantidade e conteúdos das aulas devem ser realizados, bem como a avaliação de sua efetividade.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)Universidade de São Paulo Instituto BiodeltaUNIFESP Programa de Pós- Graduação em ReumatologiaUNIFESP CEDESSOMS OPS BIREMEUNIFESP, Programa de Pós- Graduação em ReumatologiaUNIFESP, CEDESSSciEL

Isokinetic assessment of the hip muscles in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the difference in isokinetic strength of hip muscles between patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and matched healthy controls, and to establish the correlation between this isokinetic strength and pain and function in patients with knee OA. METHODS: 25 patients with a diagnosis of unilateral knee OA, 25 patients with bilateral knee OA, and 50 matched controls were evaluated using the visual analog scale for pain, knee Lequesne index, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities questionnaire and an isokinetic test. RESULTS: The groups were matched for age, gender and body mass index. The results of the isokinetic test revealed lower peak torque of the hip in patients with OA of the knee than in the control group for all movements studied. Strong correlations were found between the peak torque, visual analog scale and function. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with OA of the knee exhibit lower isokinetic strength in the hip muscles than healthy control subjects. Strengthening the muscles surrounding the hip joint may help to decrease pain in people with knee OA. Some correlations between pain/function and peak torque were found

Energy Expenditure During Cane-Assisted Gait in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE: To compare the energy expenditure in patients with unilateral knee osteoarthritis while walking with canes of different lengths. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study (single-group) was carried out on thirty patients with unilateral knee osteoarthritis. An adjustable aluminum cane was used, and three different cane lengths were determined for each subject: C1 - length from the floor to the greater trochanter; C2 - length from the floor to the distal wrist crease; and C3 - length obtained by the formula: height x 0.45 + 0.87 m. Resting and walking heart rates were measured with a Polar hear rate meter. Walking speed was calculated by the time required for the patient to walk 10 m. Gait energy cost was estimated using the physiological cost index, and results were compared. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 25 women and five men (average age of 68 years). Statistically significant differences in physiological cost index measurements were observed between unassisted walking and assisted walking with a cane of any length (p<0.001), as well as between walking with a C2-length cane and unassisted walking, and walking with a C1-length cane and walking with a C3-length cane (p=0.001; p = 0.037; p=0.001; respectively). CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that small alterations in the length of canes used for weight-bearing ambulation in patients with unilateral knee osteoarthritis increase the energy expenditure measured by the physiological cost index during walking. Further studies are needed for a more precise quantification of the increase in energy expenditure during cane-assisted gait and an assessment of the effectiveness of cane use in relieving pain and improving function in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Progressive resistance training in chronic musculoskeletal disorders

INTRODUCTION: Progressive resistance training has been suggested as a therapeutic modality that attempts to promote the standardization of the prescription of physical exercises in physical therapy, besides optimizing the results of the treatment. OBJECTIVE: To review studies that used progressive resistance training in chronic musculoskeletal diseases and to demonstrate the importance of including this type of training in the rehabilitation of those diseases. SOURCE OF THE DATA: Pubmed, Medline, and Lilacs databases were reviewed without restrictions of date and/or language. REVIEW: Due to the countless benefits attributed to this treatment modality, the importance of exercises in physical therapy has been well documented. Despite the proven efficacy, high-intensity exercises are not routinely prescribed, and this prescription is usually not standardized, which does not allow a consensus on the type of strengthening used, as well as load calculation and progression. Progressive resistance training implies the gradual increase in load during the training period. The number of repetitions that each individual can complete depends on the calculation of the maximal repetition. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of this review, the use of progressive resistance training to complement traditional exercises used in rehabilitation of chronic musculoskeletal diseases is recommended in order to standardize treatment protocols, with adequate control of individual load, and to optimize training results. However, it should be emphasized that further studies are necessary for more reliable conclusions.INTRODUÇÃO: O treinamento resistido progressivo tem sido sugerido como uma modalidade terapêutica que tenta promover uma padronização da prescrição de exercícios em fisioterapia, além de otimizar os resultados da terapia. OBJETIVO: Revisar os estudos que utilizaram o treinamento resistido progressivo em doenças musculoesqueléticas crônicas e demonstrar a importância da inclusão deste tipo de treinamento na reabilitação destas doenças. FONTE DE DADOS: A pesquisa foi realizada através dos bancos de dados Pubmed, Medline e Lilacs sem restrições a datas e/ou idiomas. REVISÃO: Já se encontra bem fundamentada a importância da aplicação de exercícios terapêuticos em fisioterapia devido aos inúmeros benefícios atribuídos a esta modalidade terapêutica. Apesar de comprovadamente eficazes, os exercícios de alta intensidade ainda não são prescritos rotineiramente e esta prescrição geralmente não é feita de maneira padronizada, não nos permitindo chegar a um consenso quanto ao tipo de fortalecimento utilizado, o cálculo da carga e a sua progressão. O treinamento resistido progressivo é realizado através do aumento gradual de carga durante o período de treinamento. O número de repetições que cada indivíduo pode completar depende do cálculo da repetição máxima. CONCLUSÃO: Baseando-se nos achados desta revisão, recomenda-se o uso de exercícios resistidos progressivos como complemento dos exercícios tradicionais utilizados na reabilitação de doenças musculoesqueléticas crônicas para que seja possível padronizar os protocolos de atendimento, controlando e adequando individualmente a carga, e otimizar os resultados do treinamento. No entanto, vale ressaltar que novos estudos são necessários para que se chegue a conclusões mais fidedignas.UNIFESPUSP IBEPUNIFESP departamento de Ciências da SaúdeUNIFESP, Depto. de Ciências da SaúdeSciEL