Relevance of adding a triangular dynamic cushion on a traditional chair: A 3D-analysis of seated schoolchildren

Background: Low back pain is highly prevalent in the general population and is even reported as early as at primary school. A poor sitting position has been suggested as an etiologic factor. This study analysed, in primary schoolchildren, the influence of a triangular dynamic cushion that aims to help children maintain their physiological lumbar lordosis and to induce movement to reduce the static effect of the sitting position. Methods: Thirty 8-year-old children took part in this study. A 3D analysis combined with electromyography was used to evaluate the biomechanics and the related muscle activation in two sitting positions (with and without a triangular cushion on a horizontal stool) during a 15-minute working task. In addition, the force of the feet on the ground was assessed with a force plate. Findings: The cushion improved the trunk–thighs angle, lumbar lordosis, anterior pelvis tilt, and feet support on the ground (p < 0.0001). In addition, sitting on the cushion appeared to be more dynamic (p < 0.05) and induced a decrease of the lumbar paravertebral muscle activity (p < 0.01). Interpretation: Sitting on a dynamic triangular cushion tends to favour the “ideal” siting position usually described in the literature and to decrease the level of paravertebral muscle recruitment. Seeing that sitting position is a risk factor to develop low back pain, the cushion could be a solution to prevent it

CLINICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE CERVICAL EXTENSOR MUSCLES DYSFUNCTIONS: A SCOPING REVIEW

Neck pain is a major cause of disability worldwide and frequently associated with changes in muscle function. These changes, which may persist after the symptoms have disappeared, could explain recurrent or chronic neck pain. Given the functional alterations of the cervical extensors muscles (CEM) observed in subjects with neck pain1 , a review of the clinical ways to highlight these deficits is relevant. To identify the various clinical tests assessing CEM dysfunctions in patients with chronic neck pain (CNP)

EFFECTIVENESS OF TECAR THERAPY COMBINED WITH ECCENTRIC EXERCISES IN LATERAL ELBOW TENDINOPATHY

peer reviewedObjective: Tecar therapy (TT), an endogenous thermotherapy, uses high frequency currents and is supposed to boost tissues healing. Considering the lack of robust research on its effectiveness, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of TT combined to an eccentric intervention program (gold standard) in the treatment of lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET). Methods: 17 patients (32-59 y) with chronic LET, were randomly divided into 3 groups: - A control group (CG, n=6) receiving 18 sessions (3 sessions/wk) of conventional treatment (CoTr): epicondyle massage, eccentric program (using an isokinetic device) and stretching of epicondyle muscles. - A Tecar group (TG, n=7) receiving the CoTr combined to a TT (in a capacitive and resistive mode). - A Tecar placebo group (PG, n=4) receiving the CoTr combined to a fake TT. The assessment sessions, performed at baseline, after 9 and the 18 sessions as well as at a 3- and 6-month follow-up included clinical LET’s tests (Cozen test, Middle Finger test), the French version of the PRTEE questionnaire and the pressure pain threshold (pressure algometer) at the painful site. Results: All outcomes improved significantly (p<0,05) in all groups, yet the TG showed no greater improvement compared to the CG and PG. Conclusion: Our study confirms the efficiency of eccentric program in LET and suggests that the combination of TT with CoTr does not provide additional benefit when compared to CoTr used alone

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on physical activity of individuals with a spinal cord injury in Belgium: observational study.

The letter reports an observational study, which our group has undertaken, to evaluate the effect of the Covid-19 lockdown among individuals with a spinal cord injury in Belgium. The primary focus of the study was the impact of the lockdown on physical activity levels, as the literature shows that individuals with a physical disability, such as spinal cord injury, particularly benefit from physical activity. The report was written in accordance to the STROBE guidelines

Évaluer l’endurance des muscles extenseurs cervicaux chez les cervicalgiques chroniques : quels critères cliniques discriminants ?

peer reviewe

MAXIMUM ISOMETRIC STRENGTH OF THE TRUNK MUSCLES : DEVELOPMENT OF NORMATIVE VALUES IN ADULT WOMEN

editorial reviewe

A Positron Emission Tomography Study of Voluntarily and Electrically Contracted Human Quadriceps

peer reviewe