Implementation of Online Behavior Modification Techniques in the Management of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain : A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: The main aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis (MA) was to assess the effectiveness of online behavior modification techniques (e-BMT) in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Methods: We conducted a search of Medline (PubMed), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science, APA PsychInfo, and Psychological and Behavioral Collections, from inception to the 30 August 2021. The main outcome measures were pain intensity, pain interference, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing and self-efficacy. The statistical analysis was conducted using RStudio software. To compare the outcomes reported by the studies, we calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD) over time and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for the continuous variables. Results: Regarding pain intensity (vs. usual care/waiting list), we found a statistically significant trivial effect size in favor of e-BMT (n = 5337; SMD = −0.17; 95% CI −0.26, −0.09). With regard to pain intensity (vs. in-person BMT) we found a statistically significant small effect size in favor of in-person BMT (n = 486; SMD = 0.21; 95%CI 0.15, 0.27). With respect to pain interference (vs. usual care/waiting list) a statistically significant small effect size of e-BMT was found (n = 1642; SMD = −0.24; 95%CI −0.44, −0.05). Finally, the same results were found in kinesiophobia, catastrophizing, and self-efficacy (vs. usual care/waiting list) where we found a statistically significant small effect size in favor of e-BMT. Conclusions: e-BMT seems to be an effective option for the management of patients with musculoskeletal conditions although it does not appear superior to in-person BMT in terms of improving pain intensity

Efectos del entrenamiento de la fuerza con resistencia variable elástica a lo largo de la vida: una revisión sistemática

The benefits of strength training programs with isoto-nic free weights or machines have been well-documen-ted in all age groups. However, exercise and healthcare professionals sometime question whether it is possible to obtain the same results with devices of variable re-sistance, such as elastic bands. To answer this question, the purpose of this systematic review was to identify and summarize the positive effects of elastic resistance exercises used across the lifespan on health outcomes including body composition, functional and performan-ce capacity, and biochemical variables. A secondary aim was to identify common dosage parameters of strength training programs using elastic resistanceLos beneficios de los programas de entrenamiento de la fuerza con peso libre y máquinas isocinéticas del tipo isotónico han sido bien documentados en todas las franjas de edad. Sin embargo, los profesionales del ejercicio y la salud algunas veces se preguntan si es posible obtener los mismos resultados con dispositivos de resistencia variable, como por ejemplo las bandas elásticas. Para responder a esta pregunta, el objetivo de esta revisión sistemática fue identificar y resumir los efectos positivos de los ejercicios de fuerza con elásticos empleados a lo largo de las diferentes etapas de la vida sobre resultados relacionados con la salud, incluyendo la composición corporal, capacidad funcional, rendimiento físico y algunas variables bioquímicas. Un objetivo secundario fue identificar los parámetros de dosificación comunes de los programas de entrenamiento de la fuerza usando resistencia elásticaActividad Física y Deport

Cardiorespiratory fitness measured with cardiopulmonary exercise testing and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is inversely associated with mortality in apparently healthy subjects and in some clinical populations, but evidence for the association between CRF and all-cause and/or cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in patients with established CVD is lacking. This study aimed to quantify this association. Methods We searched for prospective cohort studies that measured CRF with cardiopulmonary exercise testing in patients with CVD and that examined all-cause and CVD mortality with at least 6 months of follow-up. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using random-effect inverse-variance analyses. Results Data were obtained from 21 studies and included 159,352 patients diagnosed with CVD (38.1% female). Pooled HRs for all-cause and CVD mortality comparing the highest vs. lowest category of CRF were 0.42 (95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.28–0.61) and 0.27 (95%CI: 0.16–0.48), respectively. Pooled HRs per 1 metabolic equivalent (1-MET) increment were significant for all-cause mortality (HR = 0.81; 95%CI: 0.74–0.88) but not for CVD mortality (HR = 0.75; 95%CI: 0.48–1.18). Coronary artery disease patients with high CRF had a lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.32; 95%CI: 0.26–0.41) than did their unfit counterparts. Each 1-MET increase was associated with lower all-cause mortality risk among coronary artery disease patients (HR = 0.83; 95%CI: 0.76–0.91) but not lower among those with heart failure (HR = 0.69; 95%CI: 0.36–1.32). Conclusion A better CRF was associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality and CVD. This study supports the use of CRF as a powerful predictor of mortality in this population

Muscular fitness and work ability among Physical therapists

The Work Ability Index (WAI) is a validated and widely used tool in occupational research. However, normative values for physical therapists (PTs) by age and sex are lacking. Although the nature of PTs' work is physically demanding, it is unknown whether muscular fitness is associated with their WAI. This study sought to provide reference WAI data for Spanish PTs and to evaluate the association between PTs' muscular fitness and WAI. Data on WAI of 1005 PTs were collected using a questionnaire. A subgroup (n = 68) performed a battery of physical tests including grip strength, push-ups and back-extension endurance. Associations between muscular fitness and WAI were evaluated using logistic regression controlling for various confounders. PTs aged 50 years or older had lower WAI scores than their younger counterparts. PTs with high back-extension endurance scored 3.5 (95% CI) higher in the WAI than those with low endurance. No associations were found between grip strength or number of push-ups and WAI. Our findings seem to highlight the importance of muscular fitness in PTs, especially the back-extension endurance

The role of Vitamin D in early knee osteoarthritis and its relationship with their physical and psychological status

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint condition and one of the greatest causes of disability worldwide. The role of vitamin D in the origin and development of the disease is not clear, although it could have important implications for diagnosis and treatment. For this proposal, a cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sample was performed. In total, 48 with early osteoarthritis (EOA) and 48 matched controls were selected, and serum 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were analyzed. In addition, physical and psychological variables were measured to establish their relationship with vitamin D levels. Patients with EOA showed lower levels (22.3 ± 7.3 ng/mL) in comparison to matched controls (29.31 ± 9.2 ng/mL). A statistically significant higher number (Chi-squared = 8.525; p = 0.004) of patients with EOA had deficiency levels (<20 ng/mL) compared to the control group. Patients with lower vitamin D levels showed higher levels of pain intensity, disability, and anxiety, as well as poorer values for sit-to-stand, walking speed, and social participation. Correlation analysis showed a relationship between serum 25(OH)D, PTH and pain intensity, and social participation. These results highlight the relevance of vitamin D in the early diagnosis and prevention of EOA