Conventional Cervical Exercises Compared with a Mixed-Reality-Based Game in Asymptomatic Subjects: An Exploratory Crossover Pilot Study.

Mixed reality presents itself as a potential technological tool for the management of people with musculoskeletal disorders, without having as many adverse side effects as immersive virtual reality. The objective of this study was to explore the possibilities of a mixed-reality game, performing task-oriented cervical exercises compared to conventional therapeutic exercises in sensorimotor outcome measures in asymptomatic subjects. A randomized crossover pilot study was performed with two intervention groups: a mixed-reality group (MRG) and a conventional exercise group (CEG). The cervical joint position error test (CJPET) and deep cervical flexor endurance test (DCFET) were measured as sensorimotor outcomes. Statistically significant differences were found in the pre–post comparison in the DCFET for both groups (MRG: t = �����3.87, p < 0.01; CEG: t = �����4.01, p < 0.01) and in the extension of the CJPET for the MRG (t = 3.50, p < 0.01). The rest of the measurements showed no significant differences comparing both groups pre- and postintervention (p > 0.05). Mixed reality has apparently the same positive effects as conventional exercises in sensorimotor outcomes in asymptomatic subjects. These results could help in future studies with mixed virtual reality in the management of people with musculoskeletal disorders.post-print882 K

Can transcranial direct current stimulation enhance functionality in older adults? A systematic review

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive, easy to administer, well-tolerated, and safe technique capable of affecting brain excitability, both at the cortical and cerebellum levels. However, its effectiveness has not been sufficiently assessed in all population segments or clinical applications. This systematic review aimed at compiling and summarizing the currently available scientific evidence about the effect of tDCS on functionality in older adults over 60 years of age. A search of databases was conducted to find randomized clinical trials that applied tDCS versus sham stimulation in the above-mentioned population. No limits were established in terms of date of publication. A total of 237 trials were found, of which 24 met the inclusion criteria. Finally, nine studies were analyzed, including 260 healthy subjects with average age between 61.0 and 85.8 years. Seven of the nine included studies reported superior improvements in functionality variables following the application of tDCS compared to sham stimulation. Anodal tDCS applied over the motor cortex may be an effective technique for improving balance and posture control in healthy older adults. However, further high-quality randomized controlled trials are required to determine the most effective protocols and to clarify potential benefits for older adults

Differences between Maximum Tongue Force in Women Suffering from Chronic and Asymptomatic Temporomandibular Disorders—An Observational Study

Background: Temporomandibular disorders are craniofacial disorders characterized by the presence of chronic pain in masticatory muscles, with higher incidence in the women population. There is little research that has studied tongue force related to temporomandibular disorders, but there are a lot of studies that have demonstrated the impact of tongue force in vital functions, such as chewing, swallowing, phonation, or breathing. According to this, the aim of this study was to compare the maximum force of the tongue between females with chronic temporomandibular disorders and asymptomatic females. We also wanted to establish whether any relationship existed between the pain and fatigue versus the maximum force developed in females with chronic temporomandibular disorders. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study of 67 women between the ages of 18 and 65 years old was performed. The included women were assigned to one of two groups, according to whether they had chronic temporomandibular disorders or not. The procedure was the same for both groups. Outcome measures included the maximum tongue force, intensity of perceived orofacial pain, and intensity of perceived orofacial fatigue. Results: The results showed significant statistical differences for the maximum tongue force measurement between the chronic temporomandibular disorders group and the control group (p p < 0.05). Moreover, the data showed no significant correlations between variables. Conclusion: The study found significant differences in maximum tongue force when comparing women with chronic temporomandibular disorders and asymptomatic women (being superior in these). Likewise, we found that the intensity of perceived orofacial fatigue after tongue exercises showed significant differences between groups. However, this study reveals no correlations between the intensity of perceived orofacial pain and fatigue and the maximum tongue force

Differences between Maximum Tongue Force in Women Suffering from Chronic and Asymptomatic Temporomandibular Disorders—An Observational Study

Background: Temporomandibular disorders are craniofacial disorders characterized by the presence of chronic pain in masticatory muscles, with higher incidence in the women population. There is little research that has studied tongue force related to temporomandibular disorders, but there are a lot of studies that have demonstrated the impact of tongue force in vital functions, such as chewing, swallowing, phonation, or breathing. According to this, the aim of this study was to compare the maximum force of the tongue between females with chronic temporomandibular disorders and asymptomatic females. We also wanted to establish whether any relationship existed between the pain and fatigue versus the maximum force developed in females with chronic temporomandibular disorders. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study of 67 women between the ages of 18 and 65 years old was performed. The included women were assigned to one of two groups, according to whether they had chronic temporomandibular disorders or not. The procedure was the same for both groups. Outcome measures included the maximum tongue force, intensity of perceived orofacial pain, and intensity of perceived orofacial fatigue. Results: The results showed significant statistical differences for the maximum tongue force measurement between the chronic temporomandibular disorders group and the control group (p < 0.05) for all the movements, except the lip pressure measurement. Furthermore, the analysis revealed significant statistical differences between the intensity of perceived orofacial fatigue between the groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, the data showed no significant correlations between variables. Conclusion: The study found significant differences in maximum tongue force when comparing women with chronic temporomandibular disorders and asymptomatic women (being superior in these). Likewise, we found that the intensity of perceived orofacial fatigue after tongue exercises showed significant differences between groups. However, this study reveals no correlations between the intensity of perceived orofacial pain and fatigue and the maximum tongue force.This research received no external funding

Assessment of postoperative health functioning after knee arthroplasty in relation to pain catastrophizing: a 6-month follow-up cohort study

Knee arthroplasty (KA) is a typically successful surgical procedure commonly performed to alleviate pain in participants with end-stage knee osteoarthritis. Despite its beneficial effects, a significant proportion of individuals with KA continue experiencing persistent pain and functional limitations. The purpose of this study was to assess the postoperative outcomes after KA in relation to postoperative pain catastrophizing. Methods. Participants were recruited at a domiciliary physiotherapy service, using a prospective, observational, hypothesis-generating cohort design. Participants were divided into two groups based on their Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) total score (50th percentile), which resulted in high and low PCS groups. The primary outcome measure was the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). In addition, quality of life, walking speed, physical performance, range of motion, and pain were measured. Outcome measures were collected at baseline (1 week postoperatively) and at follow-up (1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively). Results. A total of 60 participants (21 total KA and 39 unicompartmental KA) were recruited. Individuals with a higher degree of pain catastrophizing showed significantly higher WOMAC total scores at every follow-up, indicating poorer health functioning (p 0.05). Conclusion. The results of the present study suggest that participants with high postoperative pain catastrophizing might have poorer outcomes during the rehabilitation process after KA. Future work should seek to clarify if this relationship is causal

Relationships between craniocervical posture and pain-related disability in patients with cervico-craniofacial pain

Ibai L&oacute;pez-de-Uralde-Villanueva,1&ndash;4 Hector Beltran-Alacreu,1&ndash;3 Alba Paris-Alemany,1&ndash;4 Santiago Angulo-D&iacute;az-Parre&ntilde;o,2,3,5 Roy La Touche1&ndash;4 1Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, 2Research Group on Movement and Behavioral Science and Study of Pain, The Center for Advanced Studies University La Salle, Universidad Aut&oacute;noma de Madrid, Aravaca, Madrid, Spain; 3Institute of Neuroscience and Craniofacial Pain (INDCRAN), Madrid, Spain; 4Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research, IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain; 5Faculty of Medicine, Universidad San Pablo CEU, Madrid, Spain Objectives: This cross-sectional correlation study explored the relationships between craniocervical posture and pain-related disability in patients with chronic cervico-craniofacial pain (CCFP). Moreover, we investigated the test&ndash;retest intrarater reliability of two craniocervical posture measurements: head posture (HP) and the sternomental distance (SMD). Methods: Fifty-three asymptomatic subjects and 60 CCFP patients were recruited. One rater measured HP and the SMD using a cervical range of motion device and a digital caliper, respectively. The Spanish versions of the neck disability index and the craniofacial pain and disability inventory were used to assess pain-related disability (neck disability and craniofacial disability, respectively). Results: We found no statistically significant correlations between craniocervical posture and pain-related disability variables (HP and neck disability [r=0.105; P&gt;0.05]; HP and craniofacial disability [r=0.132; P&gt;0.05]; SMD and neck disability [r=0.126; P&gt;0.05]; SMD and craniofacial disability [r=0.195; P&gt;0.05]). A moderate positive correlation was observed between HP and SMD for both groups (asymptomatic subjects, r=0.447; CCFP patients, r=0.52). Neck disability was strongly positively correlated with craniofacial disability (r=0.79; P&gt;0.001). The test&ndash;retest intrarater reliability of the HP measurement was high for asymptomatic subjects and CCFP patients (intraclass correlation coefficients =0.93 and 0.81, respectively) and for SMD (intraclass correlation coefficient range between 0.76 and 0.99); the test&ndash;retest intrarater reliability remained high when evaluated 9 days later. The HP standard error of measurement range was 0.54&ndash;0.75 cm, and the minimal detectable change was 1.27&ndash;1.74 cm. The SMD standard error of measurement was 2.75&ndash;6.24 mm, and the minimal detectable change was 6.42&ndash;14.55 mm. Independent t-tests showed statistically significant differences between the asymptomatic individuals and CCFP patients for measures of craniocervical posture, but these differences were very small (mean difference =1.44 cm for HP; 6.24 mm for SMD). The effect sizes reached by these values were estimated to be small for SMD (d=0.38) and medium for HP (d=0.76). Conclusion: The results showed no statistically significant correlations between craniocervical posture and variables of pain-related disability, but a strong correlation between the two variables of disability was found. Our findings suggest that small differences between CCFP patients and asymptomatic subjects exist with respect to the two measurements used to assess craniocervical posture (HP and SMD), and these measures demonstrated high test&ndash;retest intrarater reliability for both CCFP patients and asymptomatic subjects. Keywords: measurement, neck pain, rehabilitation, reliability, reproducibility of results, temporomandibular disorders&nbsp

A feasibility study of home-based preoperative multimodal physiotherapy for patients scheduled for a total knee arthroplasty who catastrophize about their pain

Background Preoperative pain catastrophizing (PC) and pain are both risk factors for poor outcomes after a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Despite that, there is limited evidence about physiotherapy interventions' effectiveness on addressing such factors. Purpose To evaluate the feasibility and clinical impact of a home-based multimodal physiotherapy intervention in reducing pain and PC, in patients scheduled for a TKA who present preoperative moderate-to-severe pain and PC. Methods Three-armed parallel-group randomized controlled feasibility study. Subjects with symptomatic osteoarthritis and a score of >= 20 on the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) were recruited. The control group received usual care. Both experimental groups received pain neuroscience education, coping skills training and therapeutic exercise, but differ in the number of sessions, dosage, hands-on approach, and grade of supervision. All outcomes were measured before and after the intervention. Results A total of 33,7% were eligible for inclusion, and 97,1% agreed to participate. Every participant completed the treatment. Treatment compliance was higher in the group with additional supervision. Both groups showed significant effects in PC and pain reduction. A total of 33 patients would be required for a full trial. Conclusion Preoperative physiotherapy is a feasible and effective treatment in reducing pain intensity and PC in high PCS osteoarthritis subjects scheduled for a TKA.Part of Hector Beltran-Alacreu'ssalary is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (2020/5154)

Reliability and Responsiveness of a Novel Device to Evaluate Tongue Force

Background: Measurements of tongue force are important in clinical practice during both the diagnostic process and rehabilitation progress. It has been shown that patients with chronic temporomandibular disorders have less tongue strength than asymptomatic subjects. Currently, there are few devices to measure tongue force on the market, with different limitations. That is why a new device has been developed to overcome them. The objectives of the study were to determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability and the responsiveness of a new low-cost device to evaluate tongue force in an asymptomatic population. Materials and Methods: Two examiners assessed the maximal tongue force in 26 asymptomatic subjects using a developed prototype of an Arduino device. Each examiner performed a total of eight measurements of tongue force in each subject. Each tongue direction was measured twice (elevation, depression, right lateralization, and left lateralization) in order to test the intrarater reliability. Results: The intrarater reliability using the new device was excellent for the measurements of the tongue force for up (ICC &gt; 0.94), down (ICC &gt; 0.93) and right (ICC &gt; 0.92) movements, and good for the left movement (ICC &gt; 0.82). The SEM and MDC values were below 0.98 and 2.30, respectively, for the intrarater reliability analysis. Regarding the inter-rater reliability, the ICC was excellent for measuring the tongue up movements (ICC = 0.94), and good for all the others (down ICC = 0.83; right ICC = 0.87; and left ICC = 0.81). The SEM and MDC values were below 1.29 and 3.01, respectively, for the inter-rater reliability. Conclusions: This study showed a good-to-excellent intra- and inter-reliability and good responsiveness in the new device to measure different directions of tongue force in an asymptomatic population. This could be a new, more accessible tool to consider and add to the assessment and treatment of different clinical conditions in which a deficit in tongue force could be found

Validity and Intra Rater Reliability of a New Device for Tongue Force Measurement

Background. The tongue is made up of multiple muscles both extrinsic and intrinsic. The hyoid, jaw and maxillary complex contain the tongue, which hangs between these structures forming an important biomechanical system. This organ has to work in coordination with craniofacial structures to ensure normal orofacial functioning. There are different devices on the market for tongue force measurement. However, they are not accessible for patients due to their size and very high prices. Likewise, other devices have not yet carried out validity and reliability studies. The purpose of this study was to validate a new device proving that it is accurate compared to the algometer. Moreover, the study wanted to determine the intra-rater reliability of a protocol to assess the maximum tongue force in asymptomatic subjects. Material and methods. This is an observational-longitudinal study with repeated measurements. A prototype device was developed specifically for this study to measure tongue force through force-sensitive resistor sensors. The prototype system was equipped with a device to perform and transmit the measurement and a C++ programming software in the computer to take data from the session. Different formulas were made to calibrate the system. For validity, the force measured by the prototype and the algometer was compared. For intra-rater reliability, 29 asymptomatic Spanish subjects were recruited, and a standardized protocol was carried out for the tests. Results. Experiments to assess validity showed a strong correlation (r>0.97) and an excellent reliability (ICC>0.90) between devices.On the other hand, the intra-rater reliability analysis showed an excellent ICC (0.93) with a 95% CI of 0.86 to 0.97 and a MDC90 of 6.26N. Conclusion. We demonstrated good validity values and high intra-rater reliability for the prototype device for the maximum tongue force