Effect of total knee replacement surgery and postoperative 12 month home exercise program on gait parameters

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effects of surgery and a postoperative progressive home exercise program on gait parameters among individuals operated with total knee arthroplasty. Design Single blinded randomized controlled trial. Subjects 108 patients (84 females, 24 males, mean age 69 years). Interventions Patients were equally randomized into an exercise group (EG) and control group (CG). The 12-months progressive home exercise program starting two months postoperatively was compared to usual care. Methods Gait analysis was performed using the Gaitrite electronic walkway system. In addition, knee extension and flexion strength were measured by a dynamometer preoperatively, and pain o…

Fitness and lean mass increases during combined training independent of loading order.

Although the benefits of combined endurance (E) and strength (S) training for the development of physical fitness and health are well known, scientific examination of the effect of loading order when E and S are combined into the same training session (E+S vs S+E) is rare. This study investigated the effects of moderate frequency E+S versus S+E training on physical fitness, body composition, and blood lipids.Physically active and healthy young men performed E+S (n = 16) or S+E (n = 18) training 2-3 times a week for 24 wk. Endurance (by incremental bike test) and strength (by dynamic leg press) performance as well as body composition (by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), muscle cross-sectio…

Validity and reliability of the motivation for physical activity (RM4-FM) questionnaire

There is a lack of validated instruments measuring motivation for physical activity (RM4-FM) in the Finnish language. The study examined the translated RM4-FM instrument’s psychometric properties in a sample of healthy, older Finnish adults. RM4-FM was translated and linguistically validated adhering to published guidelines. 65–75-year olds (n=102), completed the RM4-FM, the physical activity acceptance questionnaire (PAAQ) and sociodemographic characteristics questionnaires electronically. The RM4-FM was readministered one month after the initial assessment. RM4-FM translated well into Finnish. Motivation dimension scores were skewed towards high internal and low external motivation. A flo…

Clinical Outcomes After Aggressive Active Early Motion and Modified Kleinert Regimens: Comparison of 2 Consecutive Cohorts

Background Modern multistrand repairs can withstand forces present in active flexion exercises, and this may improve the outcomes of flexor tendon repairs. We developed a simple home-based exercise regimen with free wrist and intrinsic minus splint aimed at facilitating the gliding of the flexor tendons and compared the outcomes with the modified Kleinert regimen used previously in the same institution. Methods We searched the hospital database to identify flexor tendon repair performed before and after the new regimen was implemented and invited all patients to participate. The primary outcome was total active range of motion, and secondary outcomes were Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and …

Effects of concurrent strength and endurance training in women with early or longstanding rheumatoid arthritis: Comparison with healthy subjects

Objective To investigate the effects of a 21-week concurrent strength and endurance training protocol on physical fitness profile in women with early or longstanding rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with healthy subjects. Methods Twenty-three female patients with RA volunteered for the study. Twelve had early RA and eleven had longstanding RA. Twelve healthy women served as controls. Maximal strength of different muscle groups was measured by dynamometers, walking speed with light cells, and vertical squat jump on the force platform to mirror explosive force. Maximal oxygen uptake was measured by gas analyzer. Six training sessions (3 strength training and 3 endurance training) were carri…

Exercise in waist-high warm water decreases pain and improves health-related quality of life and strength in the lower extremities in women with fibromyalgia

Objective To evaluate the short- and long-term efficacy of exercise therapy in a warm, waist-high pool in women with fibromyalgia. Methods Thirty-four women (mean ± SD tender points 17 ± 1) were randomly assigned to either an exercise group (n = 17) to perform 3 weekly sessions of training including aerobic, proprioceptive, and strengthening exercises during 12 weeks, or to a control group (n = 17). Maximal unilateral isokinetic strength was measured in the knee extensors and flexors in concentric and eccentric actions at 60°/second and 210°/second, and in the shoulder abductors and adductors in concentric contractions. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was assessed using the EQ-5D que…

Revising the negative meaning of chronic pain : A phenomenological study

Objectives Chronic pain may disable the body, depress the mind and ruin the quality of life. The aim of this study was to use the participants’ personal experiences to explore the meaning of the experience of chronic pain and to find successful ways to manage chronic pain. Methods Thirty-four participants with chronic pain were interviewed. The transcribed interviews were analysed using Giorgi’s phenomenological method consisting of four phases: (1) reading the transcriptions several times, (2) discriminating meaning units, (3) collecting meaning units into groups and (4) the synthesis. Results The participants stated that the key to managing chronic pain was to reconsider the individual me…

sj-docx-2-cre-10.1177_02692155231170687 - Supplemental material for Neck–Shoulder Region Training for Chronic Headache in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Supplemental material, sj-docx-2-cre-10.1177_02692155231170687 for Neck–Shoulder Region Training for Chronic Headache in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial by Marjo Rinne, Sanna Garam and Katriina Kukkonen-Harjula, Kari Tokola, Arja Häkkinen, Jari Ylinen, Riku Nikander in Clinical Rehabilitation

Heart Rate Dynamics after Combined Strength and Endurance Training in Middle-Aged Women: Heterogeneity of Responses

The loss of complexity in physiological systems may be a dynamical biomarker of aging and disease. In this study the effects of combined strength and endurance training compared with those of endurance training or strength training alone on heart rate (HR) complexity and traditional HR variability indices were examined in middle-aged women. 90 previously untrained female volunteers between the age of 40 and 65 years completed a 21 week progressive training period of either strength training, endurance training or their combination, or served as controls. Continuous HR time series were obtained during supine rest and submaximal steady state exercise. The complexity of HR dynamics was assesse…

Transcultural adaption and preliminary evaluation of “understanding low back pain” patient education booklet

Abstract Background Low back pain (LBP) is the number one cause of disability globally. LBP is a symptom associated with biological, psychological and social factors, and serious causes for pain are very rare. Unhelpful beliefs about LBP and inappropriate imaging are common. Practitioners report pressure from patients to provide inappropriate imaging. A recently developed patient education and management booklet, ‘Understanding low back pain’, was designed to target previously identified barriers for reducing inappropriate imaging. The booklet includes evidence-based information on LBP and supports communication between patients and practitioners. Our aim was to 1) describe the translation …

SP0088 New drugs, but still comorbidity

As the population ages the simultaneous presence of multiple pathological conditions in the form of comorbidity and multimorbidity is more a rule than an exception. Comorbidity is reported in 35 to 80% of all ill people (Taylor et al. 2010). Comorbidity and multimorbidity are challenging researchers, clinicians and policy makers as these persons require more frequent appointments and hospitalizations and are at a greater risk for drug interactions, disability and mortality (Slater 2011). Although numerous chronic disease prevention strategies and treatment guidelines have been developed, they mainly address single conditions and ignore the presence of co-existing conditions (van der Noyen 2…

Effect of Isometric Upper-Extremity Exercises on the Activation of Core Stabilizing Muscles

Abstract Tarnanen SP, Ylinen JJ, Siekkinen KM, Malkia EA, Kautiainen HJ, Hakkinen AH. Effect of isometric upper-extremity exercises on the activation of core stabilizing muscles. Objective To evaluate whether isometric exercises for the upper extremities could sufficiently activate core stabilizing muscles to increase muscle strength. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at a Finnish hospital. Participants Healthy adult women (N=20). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Peak isometric strength of the back and abdominal muscles was measured and relative loading in 5 test exercises was evaluated by surface electromyography. Re…

Health-related quality of life and physical activity in persons at high risk for type 2 diabetes

The aim of this study was to compare the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of persons at risk for type 2 diabetes to that of the Finnish general population. In addition, the associations between physical activity and HRQOL at-risk persons were studied.One hundred thirty-two at-risk persons were recruited from health care centres in Central Finland. Participants filled out questionnaires including demographic characteristics, HRQOL (SF-36), frequency of vigorous physical activity (or =2 times a week, once a week, less than once a week) and comorbidities.HRQOL of at-risk persons differed significantly from that of the Finnish population in four of the eight dimensions of SF-36. Compared …

Neuromuscular performance and body mass as indices of bone loading in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

The strong association between body mass and skeletal robusticity has been attributed to increasing skeletal loading with increasing mass. However, it is unclear whether body mass is merely a coarse substitute for bone loading rather than a true independent predictor of bone strength. As indices of neuromuscular performance, impulse and peak power were determined from vertical ground reaction force during a maximal counter movement jump test in 221 premenopausal and 82 postmenopausal women. Bone compressive (BSI(d) g(2)/cm(4)) and bending (SSImax(mid) mm(3)) strength indices were measured with peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) at the distal ((d)) and midshaft ((mid)) sites …

Resistance training in patients with early inflammatory rheumatic diseases : special reference to neuromuscular function, bone mineral density and disease activity

Changes in Health Utility, Disability, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients After Spinal Fusion

STUDY DESIGN Prospective longitudinal database study. OBJECTIVE To evaluate changes in health utility, disability, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients undergoing spinal fusion. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Recently, measuring disability, HRQOL, and health utility has become important when defining the value of surgical interventions. METHODS Data of spinal fusion patients from a prospective longitudinal database were analyzed. Health utility was captured by SF-6D (six dimensional health state classification from the 36-dimensional Short Form Health Survey) score, disability by Oswestry Disability Index, and HRQOL by the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. The changes in these…

Reproducibility of imaging human knee cartilage by delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC) at 1.5 Tesla

Summary Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the day-to-day reproducibility of the delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC) measurement at different knee joint surfaces in healthy subjects at 1.5 Tesla (T). Methods The dGEMRIC experiment was repeated for 10 asymptomatic volunteers three times with an average interval of 5 days between scans. The measurement was performed from a single sagittal slice through the center of the lateral femoral condyle and from the center of the patella in the axial plane. Cartilage was manually segmented into superficial, deep and full-thickness regions of interests (ROIs) at different topographical locations of the femur, tibia…

THU0598 Course and Predictors of Pain and Physical Functioning in Patients with HIP Osteoarthritis: Systematic Review

Background Knowledge of risk factors of future pain and physical functioning can be used to inform patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) on the likely course of their condition and to adapt treatment according to the prognosis. Objectives To systematically summarise the literature on (1) the course of pain and physical functioning and on (2) prognostic factors of future pain and physical functioning in patients with OA of the hip. Methods A search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Psych-INFO, and SPORTDiscus up to January 2014. Relevant study characteristics were reviewed. Studies were scored for their quality and a qualitative data synthesis was performed. Results Of the twelve incl…

Chronic pain affects the whole person--a phenomenological study.

The aim of this qualitative study was to explore participants' perspectives on the effects of chronic pain on the psychophysical unity.Thirty-four chronic pain outpatients were interviewed, and the transcribed interviews were analysed with Giorgi's four-phase phenomenological method. The mean age of the participants was 48 years, and 19 of them were women. For 21 of the participants, the pain duration was more than 5 years, and most had degenerative spinal pain.The results of this whole research project indicated that the phenomenon chronic pain consisted of four essential themes: Pain affects the whole person, invisibility, negativity, and dominance of pain. This study concentrates only on…

Bone mineral density of the proximal femur after hip resurfacing arthroplasty: 1-year follow-up study

Abstract Background Hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) is considered a bone-preserving procedure and may eliminate proximal femoral stress shielding and osteolysis. However, in addition to implant-related stress-shielding factors, various patient-related factors may also have an effect on bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal femur in patients with HRA. Thus, we studied the effects of stem-neck angle, demographic variables, and physical functioning on the BMD of the proximal femur in a one-year follow-up. Methods Thirty three patients (9 females and 24 males) with a mean (SD) age of 55 (9) years were included in the study. BMD was measured two days and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperative…

Validity of five foot and ankle specific electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) instruments in patients undergoing elective orthopedic foot or ankle surgery

Background: Patient-reported outcomes (PROS) are widely accepted measures for evaluating outcomes of surgical interventions. As patient-reported information is stored in electronic health records, it is essential that there are valid electronic PRO (ePRO) instruments available for clinicians and researchers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of electronic versions of five widely used foot and ankle specific PRO instruments. Methods: Altogether 111 consecutive elective foot/ankle surgery patients were invited face-to-face to participate in this study. Patients completed electronic versions of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS),…

Repeatability of a computer-controlled posterior to anterior vertebral stiffness in subjects with thoracic spine pain

Reliability and validity of the Finnish version of the prosthesis evaluation questionnaire

Background: Thus far there have been no specific patient-reported outcome instrument in Finnish for health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessment after major lower extremity amputation and successful prosthesis fitting. Methods: The prosthesis evaluation questionnaire (PEQ) was translated and cross-culturally adapted into Finnish. Participants completed a questionnaire package including the Finnish version of the PEQ and the 15 D HRQoL instrument. Scales (n = 10) were tested for internal consistency, floor-ceiling effect, and reproducibility for which participants completed the PEQ twice within a 2-week interval. Validity was tested by estimating the correlation between the 15 D index a…

Revising the negative meaning of chronic pain – a phenomenological study

Reliability and Validity of The Finnish Version of The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire among Surgically Treated Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Patients

Background and Aims: The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire is the most commonly used outcome measure in the assessment of carpal tunnel syndrome. The purpose of this study was to translate the original Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire into Finnish and validate its psychometric properties. Materials and Methods: We translated and culturally adapted the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire into Finnish. Subsequently, 193 patients completed the Finnish version of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, 6-Item CTS Symptoms Scale, and EuroQol 5 Dimensions 12 months after carpal tunnel release. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire was re-administered after a 2-week interval. We calculated cons…

Psychometric Testing Of The Finnish Version Of The Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire

Health and Physical Function Predicting Strength and Balance Training Adoption: A Community-Based Study Among Individuals Aged 75 and Older

This study was conducted to determine the characteristics of health and physical function that are associated with not starting strength and balance training (SBT). The study population consisted of 339 community-dwelling individuals (75–98 years, 72% female). As part of a population-based intervention study they received comprehensive geriatric assessment, physical activity counseling, and had the opportunity to take part in SBT at the gym once a week. Compared with the SBT-adopters, the nonadopters (n = 157, 46%) were older and less physically active, had more comorbidities and lower cognitive abilities, more often had sedative load of drugs or were at the risk of malnutrition, had lower …

Changes in myosin heavy chain composition with heavy resistance training in 60- to 75-year-old men and women.

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the myosin heavy chain (MHC) expression in the vastus lateralis muscle from elderly men and women, and to determine whether heavy resistance training influences its expression. Twenty healthy, mildly physically active subjects gave their informed consent to participate in the study. The experimental group consisted of seven men and seven women [mean (SD) age 65.5 (4.1) years] and the control group consisted of three men and three women [mean (SD) age 62.3 (3.6) years]. The 6-month resistance training program was divided into two phases with weeks 1-12 consisting of high-intensity resistance training, and weeks 13-24 involving power training. M…

Although unseen, chronic pain is real–A phenomenological study

Abstract Background Research has emphasised the essential role of psychosocial risk factors in chronic pain. In practice, pain is usually verified by identifying its physical cause. In patients without any distinct pathology, pain is easily defined as imaginary pain. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the invisibility of chronic pain, from the patients’ perspective. Methods Thirty-four participants with chronic pain were interviewed. The mean age of the participants was 48 years, and 19 of them were women. For 21 of the participants, the duration of pain was more than five years, and most of the participants had degenerative spinal pain. The transcribed interviews were analyse…

Effects of a progressive aquatic resistance exercise program on the biochemical composition and morphology of cartilage in women with mild knee osteoarthritis: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background Symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the knee result in decreased function, loss of working capacity and extensive social and medical costs. There is a need to investigate and develop effective interventions to minimise the impact of and even prevent the progression of osteoarthritis. Aquatic exercise has been shown to be effective at reducing the impact of osteoarthritis. The purpose of this article is to describe the rationale, design and intervention of a study investigating the effect of an aquatic resistance exercise intervention on cartilage in postmenopausal women with mild knee osteoarthritis. Methods A minimum of 80 volunteers who meet the inclusion criteria will b…

Associations of neck muscle strength and cervical spine mobility with future neck pain and disability: a prospective 16-year study.

Abstract Background Neck pain has been associated with weaker neck muscle strength and decreased cervical spine range of motion. However, whether neck muscle strength or cervical spine mobility predict later neck disability has not been demonstrated. In this 16-year prospective study, we investigated whether neck muscle strength and cervical spine mobility are associated with future neck pain and related disability in women pain-free at baseline. Methods Maximal isometric neck muscle strength and passive range of motion (PROM) of the cervical spine of 220 women (mean age 40, standard deviation (SD) 12 years) were measured at baseline between 2000 and 2002. We conducted a postal survey 16 ye…

Relationships between depressive symptoms and self-reported unintentional injuries: the cross-sectional population–based FIN-D2D survey

Background There is a lack of knowledge on the influence of different levels of physical activity (PA) on unintentional injuries among those with depressive symptoms (DS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between PA categories and unintentional injuries among participants with and without DS based on a cross-sectional population–based FIN-D2D survey conducted in 2007. Methods Out of 4500, 2682 participants (60%) aged 45–74 years attended in this study. The unintentional injuries over the past year were captured in a questionnaire. DS were determined with the Beck Depression Inventory (≥ 10 points) and PA with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The stati…

The structural validity of the Finnish version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand: A Rasch model analysis

Introduction The construct validity of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH) has previously been questioned. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the measurement properties of the Finnish version of the DASH for assessing disability in patients with hand complaints using Rasch Measurement Theory. Methods A cohort of 193 patients with typical hand and wrist complaints were recruited at a surgery outpatient clinic. The DASH scores were analysed using the Rasch model for differential item functioning, unidimensionality, fit statistics, item residual correlation, coverage/targeting and reliability. Results In the original DASH questionnaire, the item response …

Stability of the upper neck during isometric neck exercises in rheumatoid arthritis patients with atlantoaxial disorders.

To study the effect of isometric neck strength exercises on upper cervical stability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Twenty patients with a mean (SD) age of 58 (9) years and duration of RA of 27 (10) years volunteered for the study. Lateral radiographs of the cervical spine were taken to measure the current atlantoaxial distance (AAD) in flexion and extension. Maximal isometric neck flexion and extension strength values were measured by a dynamometer. Thereafter, AADs were measured from radiographs taken at 80-90% resistance of maximal strength.According to the full flexion radiographs at baseline, the patients were classified into three groups: eight patients without anterior at…

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN LEISURE TIME PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL AND ARTICULAR CARTILAGE IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN WITH MILD KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS: A 12-MONTH FOLLOW-UP STUDY AFTER 4-MONTH INTERVENTION

Validity and Reliability of the Finnish Version of the Locomotor Capabilities Index-5 in Patients Fitted with a Prosthesis after Major Lower Extremity Amputation

OP0062-HPR Efficacy of Tailored Exercise Therapy in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis and Comorbidity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Exercise therapy is a key intervention in the management of knee osteoarthritis (OA). It is an effective intervention to improve physical functioning and reduce joint pain in patients with knee OA. Comorbidity, which is highly prevalent in OA, interferes with the application of exercise therapy and contributes to non-adherence to exercise therapy. Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tailored exercise therapy on physical functioning in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and comorbidity Methods A randomized clinical controlled trial was performed, comparing comorbidity-adapted exercise therapy with a control intervention. The study was conducted in an outpatient r…

The early changes in trunk muscle strength and disability following lumbar spine fusion

To analyze trunk muscle function pre- and postoperatively in patients undergoing lumbar spine fusion. Associations between changes in trunk muscle strength and disability were also studied.A total of 114 patients undergoing lumbar spine fusion participated in the study. The flexion and extension strength of the trunk was measured preoperatively and 3 months after surgery using a strain-gauge dynamometer. Disability and pain during the past week was evaluated with the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS), respectively.Preoperative trunk extension and flexion strength levels were 319 N and 436 N in males, respectively, and 160 N and 214 N in females, respectively. In …

Health condition and physical function as predictors of adherence in long-term strength and balance training among community-dwelling older adults

AIM: Strength and balance training (SBT) has remarkable health benefits, but little is known regarding exercise adherence in older adults. We examined the adherence to strength and balance training and determinants of adherence among ≥75 year old adults. METHODS: 182 community-dwelling individuals (aged 75-98 years, 71% female) began group-based SBT as part of a population-based Geriatric Multidisciplinary Strategy for the Good Care of the Elderly study. Training was offered once a week for 2.3 years. Adherence was defined as the proportion of attended sessions relative to offered sessions. Participants were classified based on their adherence level into low (≤33.3%), moderate (33.4-66.5%) …

Long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes and patient satisfaction after adult spinal deformity correction

Background and Aims: Adult spinal deformity surgery has increased with the aging population and modern surgical approaches, although it has high complication and reoperation rates. The permanence of radiographic correction, mechanical complications, predictive factors for poor patient-reported outcomes, and patient satisfaction were analyzed. Material and Methods: A total of 79 adult patients were retrospectively analyzed at baseline and 1–9 years after adult spinal deformity correction between 2007 and 2016. Patient-reported outcomes (Oswestry Disability Index, visual analog scale, and Scoliosis Research Society–30 scores), changes in radiographic alignment, indications for reoperation, pr…

Eight months of physical training in warm water improves physical and mental health in women with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of 8 months of supervised exercise therapy in warm water and its effects on the impact of fibromyalgia on physical and mental health and physical fitness in affected women. Methods Thirty women with fibromyalgia were randomly assigned to an exercise therapy group (n = 15) or a control group (inactive) (n = 15). The impact of fibromyalgia on physical and mental health was assessed using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and the anxiety state with State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Physical fitness was measured using the following tests: Canadian Aerobic Fitness; hand-grip dynamometry; 10-metre walking; 10-step stair-climbing and blind 1-leg stance. Resul…

Does adding a 12-month exercise programme to usual care after a rotator cuff repair effect disability and quality of life at 12 months? A randomized controlled trial

Objective: To compare a 12-month home-based exercise programme with usual care for disability and health-related quality of life after rotator cuff repair. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Outpatient physical and rehabilitation medicine clinic. Subjects: Consecutive patients ( n = 67, mean age 54 years) who underwent rotator cuff repairs were randomized into an experimental group (EG) or a usual care group (UCG). Interventions: The UCG received ordinary postoperative instructions, while the EG were given advice and instructions on a shoulder muscle strengthening programme to be undertaken at home. Main measures: Disability was assessed with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surge…

Efficacy of Tailored Exercise Therapy on Physical Functioning in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis and Comorbidity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy on physical functioning and safety of tailored exercise therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and comorbidities. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, 126 participants were included with a clinical diagnosis of knee OA and at least 1 of the following target comorbidities: coronary disease, heart failure, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2), with severity score ≥2 on the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale. The intervention group received a 20-week, individualized, comorbidity-adapted exercise program consisting of aerobic and strength training and training of daily activities…

Muscle strength in healthy people and in patients suffering from recent-onset inflammatory arthritis.

Neuromuscular function was compared among 20 patients with relatively recent onset (symptomatic period 17 +/- 24 months) rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (experimental group; EG), and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy people (control group; CG). The comparison was repeated after a period of 6 months, when 16 patients had carried out progressive strength training. At baseline maximal grip strength and maximal dynamic unilateral strength of the knee extensors in the EG were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in comparison to the CG. The groups did not differ from each other in maximal isometric strength of the trunk flexors and extensors or the knee extensors. The 6-month dynamic strength training in the …

sj-docx-2-cre-10.1177_02692155231170687 - Supplemental material for Neck–Shoulder Region Training for Chronic Headache in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Supplemental material, sj-docx-2-cre-10.1177_02692155231170687 for Neck–Shoulder Region Training for Chronic Headache in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial by Marjo Rinne, Sanna Garam and Katriina Kukkonen-Harjula, Kari Tokola, Arja Häkkinen, Jari Ylinen, Riku Nikander in Clinical Rehabilitation

Muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with health-related quality of life among young adult men

Abstract Background Despite numerous studies providing evidence for positive effects of physical activity and physical fitness, evidence for association between physical fitness and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in young adults is limited. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to investigate the association of cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness with HRQoL from the perspective of its physical and mental components among young adult Finnish males. Methods The sample consisted of 754 men, with the mean age of 26 years (SD 6.7 years), who participated in the military refresher training. HRQoL was measured using the Finnish RAND 36-item health survey. Cardiorespiratory fi…

Associations of leisure time, commuting and occupational physical activity with fitness and clustered cardiovascular risk factor

Reliability and validity study of the Finnish version of the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ).

Acceptance has been discovered to be successful in improving quality of life when adjusting to chronic pain. Instead of avoiding and controlling the pain, the goal is to confront the pain and to live a value directed life. Thus far, there has not been an instrument in Finnish to assess the acceptance of chronic pain. This study aimed at translating the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire-(CPAQ)-into Finnish and assessing its reliability and validity.Eighty-one persons with different types of chronic pain responded to the CPAQ, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), RAND-36 and questions of sociodemographic and pain-related variables.The responders' ages varied from 16 to 83 years (mean = 48…

Psychometric Properties Of The Finnish Version Of The Locomotor Capabilities Index-5

Muscle hypertrophy, strength development, and serum hormones during strength training in elderly women with fibromyalgia.

To examine the effects of strength training on maximal force, cross-sectional area (CSA), and electromyographic (EMG) activity of muscles and serum hormone concentrations in elderly females with fibromyalgia (FM).Twenty-six patients with FM were randomly assigned to a training (FMT; n = 13; mean age 60 years) or a control (FMC; n = 13; 59 years) group. FMT performed progressive strength training twice a week for 21 weeks. The measurements included maximal isometric and concentric leg extension forces, EMG activity of the vastus lateralis and medialis, CSA of the quadriceps femoris, and serum concentrations of testosterone (T), free testosterone (FT), growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth…

Increased interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein levels after instrumented lumbar spine fusion in older patients

Purpose: Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and the acute phase C-reactive protein (CRP) blood concentrations after lumbar spine fusion may be affected by age. The purpose of this prospective observational study was to assess postoperative serum levels of pro-inflammatory IL-6 and CRP after instrumented lumbar spine fusion surgery. We hypothesized that older patients would have increased levels of IL-6 and CRP after surgery. Methods: IL-6 and high-sensitive CRP biochemical marker levels were measured before instrumented spinal fusion, and postoperatively at 1 and 3 days, 6 weeks, and 3 months. The 49 patients in this sample were divided into two groups: age ≤ 60 years (n = 23) and age > 60 years (n = 26)…

Lifetime leisure-time physical activity and the risk of depressive symptoms at the ages of 65–74years: The FIN-D2D survey

To investigate the association between lifetime leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and depressive symptoms (DS) based on the population-based FIN-D2D cross-sectional survey conducted in 2007.Nine hundred twenty seven randomly selected Finnish men and women aged 65-74 years were included in this study. DS were determined with the Beck Depression Inventory (≥10 points), and lifetime historical LTPA frequency from age 15 years onwards was recalled retrospectively.The frequency of LTPA was highest at the ages of 15-24 years in both the DS present and not present groups (14.6 times per month). LTPA frequency was significantly lower among those with DS compared with those without DS at the age…

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic shoulder and elbow score in Finnish-speaking overhead athletes

Background The Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow score (KJOC) is developed to evaluate the shoulder and elbow function in overhead athletes. To date, the score has not been adapted into Finnish language. The aim of this study was to perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow score (KJOC) into Finnish language and evaluate its validity, reliability, and responsiveness in overhead athletes. Methods Forward–backward translation method was followed in the cross-cultural adaptation process. Subsequently, 114 overhead athletes (52 males, 62 females, mean age 18.1 ± 2.8 years) completed the Finnish version of KJOC score, Disabilitie…

Core muscle activation during dynamic upper limb exercises in women.

Although several everyday functions and sporting activities demand controlled use of the abdominal and back muscles while working with the upper limbs, the activity of core muscles during dynamic upper limb exercises in the standing position has not been studied extensively. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine abdominal and back muscle activity during dynamic upper limb exercises while standing and to evaluate whether dynamic exercises are appropriate for strengthening muscles. The activation of the rectus abdominis, obliquus externus abdominis, longissimus, and multifidus muscles during dynamic bilateral or unilateral shoulder exercises with or without fixation of the …

DEPS-testin luotettavuus ja pätevyys aikuisilla selkäpotilailla

The Depression Scale (DEPS) is a patient-reported outcome instrument developed to recognize depressive symptoms. This study measured the psychometric properties of the DEPS among patients with degenerative spinal disease. Altogether 637 patients were included in the analysis. Main research question was whether the DEPS would meet pertinent psychometric criteria for reliability and validity. The results of analyses supported the DEPS instrument as a reliable and valid test to measure depressive symptoms among adult patients with spinal disease fulfilling the psychometric criteria. nonPeerReviewed

Changes in muscle morphology, electromyographic activity, and force production characteristics during progressive strength training in young and older men.

Effects of a 10-week progressive strength training program composed of a mixture of exercises for increasing muscle mass, maximal peak force, and explosive strength (rapid force production) were examined in 8 young (YM) (29+/-5 yrs) and 10 old (OM) (61+/-4 yrs) men. Electromyographic activity, maximal bilateral isometric peak force, and maximal rate of force development (RFD) of the knee extensors, muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) of the quadriceps femoris (QF), muscle fiber proportion, and fiber areas of types I, IIa, IIb, and IIab of the vastus lateralis were evaluated. Maximal and explosive strength values remained unaltered in both groups during a 3-week control period with no training…

Decreasing muscle performance associated with increasing disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives Increasing evidence suggests that inflammation has a detrimental effect on muscle strength. Our objective was to analyse the association between muscle performance and different disease activity levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Method A total of 199 consecutive outpatients were subject to cross-sectional assessment. Measurements of grip strength, endurance of the upper and lower limbs and trunk strength were combined as a muscle performance composite score (MPCS), using a standardised method. The disease activity for 28 joints (DAS28), radiographs of small joints (Larsen score), rheumatoid factor, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities and anti-rheumatic drugs wer…

Quantification of Bone Density of the Proximal Femur After Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty—Comparison of Different DXA Acquisition Modes

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a traditional operative procedure in the treatment of osteoarthritis. The hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) provides an alternative to the THA for young active patients. HRA is a bone-preserving procedure eliminating the problem of proximal femoral stress shielding and osteolysis associated to THA. Unfortunately, there is no standardized methodology to monitor the quality of bone after HRA. In this study, areal bone mineral density (BMD) in the operated hip (10 regions of interests [ROIs] of 34 volunteered HRA patients) was measured using Lunar Prodigy dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and the agreement of a standard (dual femur) and an orthopedic (orthopedi…

Leisure-time physical activity and metabolic syndrome plus depressive symptoms in the FIN-D2D survey

To examine the association between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and simultaneous presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and depressive symptoms (DS) based on a population-based FIN-D2D cross-sectional survey conducted in 2007.4500 randomly selected Finnish men and women aged 45-74 years were initially enrolled; 2868 (64%) attended a health examination. Participants with complete information (n=2778) were grouped into three LTPA categories: low, moderate and high. MetS was based on the National Cholesterol Education Program criteria and DS on the Beck Depression Inventory (≥10 points).The prevalence of MetS and DS were 53% and 15%, respectively; the prevalence of simultaneous MetS an…

High intensity aquatic exercise or daily physical activity for maintaining fat mass and walking ability for postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritis?

Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-30) kyselykaavakkeen pätevyys selkä- ja alaraajakipuisilla aikuispotilailla

Scoliosis Research Society questionnaire version 30 (SRS-30) has originally been developed to measure disability and health related quality of life in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis but it has proven valid also in adults with degenerative spinal disease. Degenerative spine disease has many phases and manifestations including disc degeneration, spondylarthrosis, spondylolistheses and compromise to neural tissue. The aim of this study was to test whether the SRS-30 questionnaire is valid in adults with different sources of pain: local back pain, radicular pain or their combination. Structural analysis of the SRS-30 and comparison with RAND-36 and ODI was performed. The deformit…

Psychometric Properties of the Scoliosis Research Society Questionnaire (Version 22r) Domains Among Adults With Spinal Deformity : A Rasch Measurement Theory Analysis

Objective: Adults with degenerative spinal deformity (ASD) have lower health-related quality of life (HRQL) compared to the general population. Applying Rasch Measurement Theory (RMT), this study tested the revised Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22r) HRQL instrument among symptomatic adult patients with degenerative spinal disorders and varying degrees of ASD. Methods: SRS-22r data from 637 outpatient spine clinic patients with degenerative spine conditions were investigated for unidimensionality, item/scale fit, differential item functioning (DIF), scale coverage/targeting, and person separation index (PSI) using RMT. Results: Unidimensionality of the SRS-22r was not supported for eith…

Rasch analysis of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale for foot and ankle patients.

Purpose: The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) is a widely used 20-item patient-reported outcome instrument with five response categories. We investigated the measurement properties of the Finnish version of the LEFS among foot and ankle patients to refine the scale to measure more accurately what is relevant for patients.Materials and methods: Data were obtained from 182 patients who had undergone foot and ankle surgery for various reasons. The Rasch Measurement Theory and Cronbach's alpha were employed for analyses of model and item fit, response category thresholds, targeting, person separation index, and internal consistency.Results: Threshold misfit was noted in 13 of the 20 item…

Physical fitness, BMI and sickness absence in male military personnel

Background In modern society, decreased physical activity and/or changes in quality and quantity of nutritional intake contribute to obesity and lifestyle diseases that result in economic costs, both to society and to individuals. Aims To measure physical fitness and body mass index (BMI) and to assess their association with sickness absence in male soldiers. Methods Data regarding BMI and physical fitness (aerobic endurance and muscle fitness) were collected for male Finnish military personnel and combined with sickness absence data collected in the year 2004. The duration and costs of sickness absence were obtained from the personnel administration. Results A total of 7179 male military p…

Reduced Neck Muscle Strength and Altered Muscle Mechanical Properties in Cervical Dystonia Following Botulinum Neurotoxin Injections : A Prospective Study

Cervical dystonia (CD) is a focal dystonia causing involuntary activation of neck and shoulder muscles resulting in abnormal, sustained and painful posturing that may lead to physical disability and social withdrawal [1]. In recent years, botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) has become the first line therapy for CD [2]. A subjective feeling of neck weakness has been reported as one of the most common localized adverse events of BoNT [2-7]. In clinical practice, this may sometimes be reported as having difficulty keeping the head upright. Although the effects of BoNT have been widely studied [2,5], there have been no prospective studies quantifying changes in maximal isometric neck muscle strength. O…

Physical Activity Is Related with Cartilage Quality in Women with Knee Osteoarthritis

Purpose To study the relationship between 12-month leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) level and changes in estimated biochemical composition of tibiofemoral cartilage in postmenopausal women with mild knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods Originally, 87 volunteer postmenopausal women, age 60 to 68 yr, with mild knee OA (Kellgren Lawrence I/II and knee pain) participated in a randomized controlled, 4-month aquatic training trial (RCT), after which 76 completed the 12-month postintervention follow-up period. Self-reported LTPA was collected along the 12-month period using a diary from which MET task hours per month were calculated. Participants were divided into MET task hour tertiles: 1, lowe…

A physically demanding occupation predicts premature retirement among patients with erosive arthritis

The aim of this study was to assess the intensity of exercise and energy expenditure of patients with recent onset inflammatory arthritis in their occupational environments and leisure time physical activities. The exercise intensities and energy expenditures of 41 early inflammatory arthritis patients and 20 matched healthy controls were assessed in occupational work and in leisure time physical activities during a 3.5-year follow-up using metabolic unit values. Disease activity was assessed by erythrocyte sedimentation rate and Ritchie's articular index. Subjective disability was assessed by the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire and the extent of joint damage on X-rays of the hands…

Isthmic Spondylolisthesis is Associated with Less Revisions for Adjacent Segment Disease After Lumbar Spine Fusion Than Degenerative Spinal Conditions : A 10-Year Follow-Up Study

Objective: We aim to compare the rate of revisions for adjacent segment disease (ASD) after lumbar spine fusion (LSF) surgery between patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS) and degenerative lumbar spine disorders (DLSD). Summary of Background Data: ASD is a major reason for late reoperations after LSF surgery. Several risk factors are linked to the progression of ASD, but the understanding of the underlying mechanisms is imperfect. If IS infrequently becomes complicated with ASD, it would emphasize the role of the ongoing degenerative process in spine in the development of ASD. Methods: 365 consecutive patients that underwent elective LSF surgery were followed up for an average of 9.7…

Effectiveness of a 12-month home-based exercise program on trunk muscle strength and spine function after lumbar spine fusion surgery:a randomized controlled trial

Purpose: The effectiveness of a 12-month home-exercise program on trunk muscle strength after lumbar spine fusion surgery was evaluated. Materials and methods: Three months postoperatively, 98 patients were randomized either to the exercise group (EG), with a progressive 12-month home-based exercise program, or to usual care group (UCG), with one guidance session for light home-exercises. Maximal trunk muscle strength was measured by a strain-gauge dynamometer and trunk extensor endurance was measured by Biering-Sørensen’s test at baseline and after the intervention. Results: The mean change in extension strength during the intervention was 75 N in EG and 58 N in UCG. Flexion strength impro…

Childhood Sports Participation Is Associated With Health-Related Quality of Life in Young Men: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

The aim of the study was to examine whether sports participation (SP), engagement in competitive sports (CS) and the type of sport undertaken at the age of 12 are associated with the physical and the mental components of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in young adulthood. The data were collected using questionnaires prior to a compulsory military refresher training course in Finland. The sample consisted of 784 men (mean age 26 years). HRQoL was measured with RAND 36 and childhood sports participation with a series of questions. Data were analysed with logistic regression. Higher frequency of SP, participation in district level CS, performing team, endurance or extreme sports and pla…

Influence of Different DXA Acquisition Modes on Monitoring the Changes in Bone Mineral Density After Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a technique enabling the measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) around prostheses after hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA). In this study, we evaluated the consistency of different DXA acquisition modes with 33 patients who had undergone HRA. Patients were scanned with DXA immediately after surgery and at 3-, 6-, and 12-mo time points. All the patients were scanned with dual femur and orthopedic hip acquisition modes and analyzed using 10-region ROI model. With both acquisition modes, a statistically significant decrease (p0.05, Wilcoxon's test) in BMD at 3mo was revealed in 3 ROIs, located to upper and lateral upper femur. Both acquisition modes…

Structural validity of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire and its short version, the 6-Item CTS symptoms scale : a Rasch analysis one year after surgery

Abstract Background: The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) and its shorter version, the Six-Item Carpal Tunnel Symptoms Scale (CTS-6), are widely used for assessing function and/or symptoms in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. This study examined the structural validity of the BCTQ and CTS-6 among patients who had undergone surgery for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods: The data for this cross-sectional analysis were obtained from 217 adult patients who had undergone carpal tunnel release surgery one year earlier. All patients completed the CTS-6, Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) and Functional Status Scale (FSS) of the BCTQ at 12 months after surgery. The Rasch Measureme…

Reliability and validity of the Finnish version of the prosthesis evaluation questionnaire

Background: Thus far there have been no specific patient-reported outcome instrument in Finnish for health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessment after major lower extremity amputation and successful prosthesis fitting. Methods: The prosthesis evaluation questionnaire (PEQ) was translated and cross-culturally adapted into Finnish. Participants completed a questionnaire package including the Finnish version of the PEQ and the 15 D HRQoL instrument. Scales (n = 10) were tested for internal consistency, floor-ceiling effect, and reproducibility for which participants completed the PEQ twice within a 2-week interval. Validity was tested by estimating the correlation between the 15 D index a…

Ten-year follow-up of health-related quality of life among persons with multiple sclerosis

nervous stimulation and stretching exercises (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01664585). Methods:Women aged 18 to 60 having chronic cervicogenic headache with intensity equal or greater than 45mm during the last two months on Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were randomized either to the treatment group “Therapeutic exercise” (THEX group) or to the control group “Transcutaneous Nervous Stimulation” (TNS group). The clinical examination of participants by physiotherapist was conducted at baseline and after intervention. Participants were asked to report each episode of headache including its intensity (VAS) and duration on a daily basis for 6months in the diary. Headache Impact Test-6 scorewas used to assess…

Stratified exercise therapy by physical therapists in primary care is feasible in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Background There is strong evidence that exercise therapy is effective in reducing pain and activity limitations in knee osteoarthritis (OA), but effect sizes are low to moderate. Stratified exercise therapy tailored to clinically relevant subgroups of patients is expected to optimise treatment effects in a cost-effective manner. Objectives This study aimed to explore the feasibility of a newly developed model of stratified exercise therapy in primary care. Methods A mixed method design was used, consisting of an uncontrolled pretest-posttest design and a process evaluation. Eligible patients visiting a participating primary care physical therapist (PT) were included. Based on our model, pa…

The Dominance of Chronic Pain: A Phenomenological Study

Background Chronic pain is not only a physical disorder, but also a complex combination of biopsychosocial symptoms affecting each other. When in chronic pain, the patient's entire body becomes a source of pain, and eventually the pain occupies the patient's mind and entire life. The aim of the present study was to examine the life experience and management of chronic pain from the patient's perspective. Methods Thirty-four participants with chronic pain were interviewed. For 21 of the participants, the duration of pain was more than five years. Most of the participants had degenerative spinal pain. The transcribed interviews were analysed using Giorgi's four-phase phenomenological method. …

Efficacy of a 12-month, monitored home exercise programme compared with normal care commencing 2 months after total knee arthroplasty: A randomized controlled trial

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a delayed home exercise programme compared with normal care after primary total knee arthroplasty. Design: Single-blind, prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Participants: A total of 108 participants (61% females, mean age 69 years [standard deviation 8.7]), were randomized to a home-based exercise group (EG, n=53) or to a control group (CG, n=55). Methods: Two months post-operatively, the EG received a home exercise programme, while the CG received no additional guidance. The outcome measurements were: pain and disability, measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC); healthrelated quality of life (HR…

Associations of neck and shoulder pain with objectively measured physical activity and sedentary time among school-aged children

Abstract Objectives The potential effects of physical activity and sedentary time on children’s increasing neck and shoulder pain are unclear. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the associations between objectively measured physical activity or sedentary time and neck and shoulder pain in children. Methods Children (n=905; 10–15 years old) filled in an electronic questionnaire during school hours on the frequency of their neck and shoulder pain. Daytime moderate to vigorous physical activity and sedentary time were measured objectively with an ActiGraph accelerometer. A multinomial logistic regression was applied to study the associations. The results were adjusted for ag…

Effects of high intensity resistance aquatic training on body composition and walking speed in women with mild knee osteoarthritis : a 4-month RCT with 12-month follow-up

Objective: To investigate the effects of 4-months intensive aquatic resistance training on body composition and walking speed in post-menopausal women with mild knee osteoarthritis (OA), immediately after intervention and after 12-months follow-up. Additionally, influence of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) will be investigated. Design: This randomised clinical trial assigned eighty-seven volunteer postmenopausal women into two study arms. The intervention group (n = 43) participated in 48 supervised intensive aquatic resistance training sessions over 4-months while the control group (n = 44) maintained normal physical activity. Eighty four participants continued into the 12-months' fo…

Enhanced rehabilitation guidance after arthroscopic capsulolabral repair of the shoulder : a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To compare the effects of a 12-month home-based exercise program to usual care in patients after arthroscopic capsulolabral repair of the shoulder. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Outpatient physical and rehabilitation medicine clinic. Subjects: Forty-five patients (mean age: 35 years; standard deviation (SD): 10 years) who underwent arthroscopic capsulolabral repair due to labral lesion were randomized into an exercise group (EG) or a control group (CG). Intervention: The EG received a 12-month home-based additional exercise program with four physiotherapy follow-up visits, while the CG received standard postoperative exercise instructions. Main measures: Self-repo…

Effects of morning vs. evening combined strength and endurance training on physical performance, sleep and well-being

The aim of the present study was to examine how combined strength and endurance training in the morning and evening influences the adaptations in strength and endurance performance, perception of time management, psychological well-being and sleep. The combined training period lasted for 24 weeks and the participants were divided into the morning training (MG, n = 18), evening training (EG, n = 24) and control groups (CG, n = 10). Isometric leg press force (iLP), maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), sleep behavior, fatigue, time management, motivation, self-esteem and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were assessed. Morning to evening difference in iLP was observed in both MG and EG at…

Disability, Health-Related Quality of Life and Mortality in Lumbar Spine Fusion Patients : A 5-Year Follow-Up and Comparison With a Population Sample

Study Design: Prospective follow-up study. Objectives: We aimed to assess the effect of lumbar spine fusion (LSF) on disability, health-related quality of life and mortality in a 5-year follow-up, and to compare these results with the general population. Methods: 523 consecutive LSF operations were included in a prospective follow-up. Disability was assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and HRQoL by the 36-item Short Form (SF-36) questionnaire using the physical and mental summary scores (PCS and MCS). The patients were compared with an age-, sex-, and residential area matched general population cohort. Results: The preoperative ODI in the patients was 46 (SD 16), and the change …

Reliability and Validity Study of the Finnish Adaptation of Scoliosis Research Society Questionnaire Version SRS-30

Study design A prospective clinical study to test and adapt a Finnish version of the Scoliosis Research Society 30 (SRS-30) questionnaire. Objective The aim of this study was to perform cross-cultural adaptation and evaluate the validity of the adapted Finnish version of the SRS-30 questionnaire. Summary of background data The SRS-30 questionnaire has proved to be a valid instrument in evaluating health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adolescent and adult population with spine deformities in the United States. Multinational availability requires cross-cultural and linguistic adaptation and validation of the instrument. Methods The SRS-30 was translated into Finnish using accepted methods…

Is a model of stratified exercise therapy by physical therapists in primary care feasible in patients with knee osteoarthritis? : a mixed methods study

OBJECTIVES: To explore the feasibility of a newly developed model of stratified exercise therapy in primary care for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).DESIGN: Mixed method design (process, outcome and qualitative evaluation).SETTING: Six physical therapy practices in primary care around Amsterdam.PARTICIPANTS: Fifty eligible patients with knee OA, visiting one of the participating physical therapists (PTs).INTERVENTION: Patients were allocated to a subgroup based on a simple stratification tool and received subgroup-specific, protocolized, 4-month, exercise therapy.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Feasibility of this model of stratified exercise therapy was explored by multiple process parameter…

sj-pdf-1-cre-10.1177_02692155231170687 - Supplemental material for Neck–Shoulder Region Training for Chronic Headache in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Supplemental material, sj-pdf-1-cre-10.1177_02692155231170687 for Neck–Shoulder Region Training for Chronic Headache in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial by Marjo Rinne, Sanna Garam and Katriina Kukkonen-Harjula, Kari Tokola, Arja Häkkinen, Jari Ylinen, Riku Nikander in Clinical Rehabilitation

Construct validity and reliability of the Finnish version of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score

Background The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) is a commonly used knee assessment and outcome tool in both clinical work and research. However, it has not been formally translated and validated in Finnish. The purpose of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the KOOS questionnaire into Finnish and to determine its validity and reliability among Finnish middle-aged patients with knee injuries. Methods KOOS was translated and culturally adapted from English into Finnish. Subsequently, 59 patients with knee injuries completed the Finnish version of KOOS, Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) and Numeric Pai…

Effects of strength and endurance training on metabolic risk factors in healthy 40–65-year-old men

This study compared 21 weeks of combined high-intensity strength and endurance training with endurance or strength training only on metabolic risk factors in 40-65-year-old men. The healthy men (n=63) were randomized into endurance (E), strength (S), combined strength and endurance training (SE) and control (C) groups. S and E trained two times a week and SE 2+2 times a week. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly both in E (-6+/-8 and -4+/-6 mmHg) and in S (-9+/-8 and -5+/-7 mmHg), but not in SE or C (P=0.003 for the difference in the changes of SBP between the groups). The changes in serum glucose and insulin during an oral glucose tolerance test did not diffe…

Spinopelvic changes based on the simplified SRS-Schwab adult spinal deformity classification: relationships with disability and health-related quality of life in adult patients with prolonged degenerative spinal disorders

Study design Cross-sectional, observational study. Objective To study the occurrence of sagittal malalignment, the adaptability of a simplified sagittal modifiers grading of the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-Schwab adult spinal deformity (ASD) classification, and the deformity-specific SRS questionnaire version 30 (SRS-30) in an unselected adult cohort with symptomatic degenerative spinal disorders. Summary of background data The sagittal modifiers of the SRS-Schwab ASD classification correlate with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures in patients with ASD. The deformities and disabilities caused by sagittal malalignment in patients with common degenerative spinal disorders of…

Tiedon ja taidon puute estää raskauden aikaista lantionpohjan lihasharjoittelua

Effects of Exercise on Patellar Cartilage in Women with Mild Knee Osteoarthritis

AB Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effects of exercise on patellar cartilage using T2 relaxation time mapping of magnetic resonance imaging in postmenopausal women with mild patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Eighty postmenopausal women (mean age, 58 (SD, 4.2) yr) with mild knee OA were randomized to either a supervised progressive impact exercise program three times a week for 12 months (n = 40) or a nonintervention control group (n = 40). Biochemical properties of cartilage were estimated using T2 relaxation time mapping, a parameter sensitive to collagen integrity, collagen orientation, and tissue hydration. Leg muscle strength and power, aerobic capacity, and…

THU0715-HPR Stratified exercise therapy by physical therapists in primary care is feasible in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Background There is strong evidence that exercise therapy is effective in reducing pain and activity limitations in knee osteoarthritis (OA), but effect sizes are low to moderate. Stratified exercise therapy tailored to clinically relevant subgroups of patients is expected to optimise treatment effects in a cost-effective manner. Objectives This study aimed to explore the feasibility of a newly developed model of stratified exercise therapy in primary care. Methods A mixed method design was used, consisting of an uncontrolled pretest-posttest design and a process evaluation. Eligible patients visiting a participating primary care physical therapist (PT) were included. Based on our model, pa…

Effects of Upper Body Eccentric versus Concentric Strength Training and Detraining on Maximal Force, Muscle Activation, Hypertrophy and Serum Hormones in Women

Effects of eccentric (ECC) versus concentric (CON) strength training of the upper body performed twice a week for 10 weeks followed by detraining for five weeks on maximal force, muscle activation, muscle mass and serum hormone concentrations were investigated in young women (n = 11 and n = 12). One-repetition bench press (1RM), maximal isometric force and surface electromyography (EMG) of triceps brachii (TB), anterior deltoid (AD) and pectoralis major (PM), cross-sectional area (CSA) of TB (Long (LoH) and Lateral Head (LaH)) and thickness of PM, as well as serum concentrations of free testosterone, cortisol, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol and sex hormone-binding globulin were mea…

Serum basal hormone concentrations, nutrition and physical fitness during strength and/or endurance training in 39-64-year-old women.

We examined effects of 21 weeks of strength and/or endurance training and nutrition on serum hormones and physical fitness in 39-64-year-old women. Subjects (n=79) were randomized into the endurance group (E), strength group (S), combined group (SE) and controls (C). Total body strength training and high-intensity bicycle training were used. Average energy and nutrient intake remained the same in all groups. Body fat (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) decreased significantly in all training groups and body mass index in E, SE and C. Only SE increased total body lean mass (2.2%, p=0.001), between groups p=0.044. Maximal cycling power increased more in E (16%) and SE (17%) than in S (8%)(all …

Intra- and inter-rater reliability of thoracic spine mobility and posture assessments in subjects with thoracic spine pain

Abstract Background The thoracic spine (TS) has been neglected in the study of the spine despite its essential role in the stability and posture of the entire spinal complex. Therefore, there is an inevitable need to investigate the reproducibility of different thoracic spinal posture measures used in subjects with TS pain. Methods Thirty-two subjects (16 females and 16 males, mean age 39 years) were evaluated by two physiotherapists on the same day to gauge inter-rater reliability and on two consecutive days to gauge intra-rater reliability. TS posture was assessed by observation, and thoracic spine mobility was measured by manual assessment of segmental flexion and extension mobility in a…

Decreased neck muscle strength is highly associated with pain in cervical dystonia patients treated with botulinum toxin injections11No commercial party having a direct financial interest in the results of the research supporting this article has or will confer a benefit upon the author(s) or upon any organization with which the author(s) is/are associated.

Abstract Hakkinen A, Ylinen J, Rinta-Keturi M, Talvitie U, Kautiainen H, Rissanen A. Decreased neck muscle strength is highly associated with pain in cervical dystonia patients treated with botulinum toxin injections. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:1684–8. Objectives To compare the isometric neck muscle strength of cervical dystonia patients treated with botulinum toxin injections with that of healthy control subjects and to evaluate the association between neck strength, neck pain, and disability in these patients. Design Clinical cross-sectional study. Setting Outpatient rehabilitation and neurology clinics in a Finnish hospital. Participants Twenty-three patients with cervical dystonia wi…

Acute heavy-resistance exercise–induced pain and neuromuscular fatigue in elderly women with fibromyalgia and in healthy controls: Effects of strength training

Objective To examine heavy-resistance exercise–induced acute neuromuscular fatigue, blood lactate concentration, and muscle pain in elderly women with fibromyalgia (FM) and in healthy controls before and after a period of strength training. Methods Thirteen elderly women with FM (mean ± SD age 60 ± 2 years) and 10 healthy women (mean ± SD age 64 ± 3 years) performed a heavy-resistance fatiguing protocol (5 sets of leg presses with 10 repetitions maximum) before and after a 21-week strength training period. Maximal isometric force and electromyography (EMG) activity of leg extensors and blood lactate concentration were measured during the loading. Pain was assessed by visual analog scale. Re…

Long-term strength and balance training in prevention of decline in muscle strength and mobility in older adults

Background. Reductions in muscle strength and poor balance may lead to mobility limitations in older age. Aims. We assessed the effects of long-term once-weekly strength and balance training (SBT) on muscle strength and physical functioning in a community-based sample of older adults. Methods. 182 individuals [130 women and 52 men, mean age 80 (SD ± 3.9) years] underwent supervised SBT as part of the Geriatric Multidisciplinary Strategy for the Good Care of the Elderly study. Training was offered once a week for 2.3 years. Isometric knee extension and flexion strength, chair rise, maximal walking speed, timed up and go (TUG) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were measured at baseline, after 2-ye…

Additional file 1: of Construct validity and reliability of the Finnish version of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score

The back-translation of the Finnish version of the KOOS questionnaire “KOOS KNEE QUESTIONNAIRE”. (PDF 87 kb)

Disability and health-related quality of life in patients undergoing spinal fusion: a comparison with a general population sample

Background. The aim of the present study was to compare one-year-follow-up data on disability and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between spinal fusion patients and age- and sex-matched general population. Methods. The data on fusion patients were collected prospectively using a spinal fusion data base in two Finnish hospitals. A general population sample matched for age, sex and residential area was drawn from the Finnish Population Register. All participants completed a questionnaire and the main outcome measures were the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Short Form-36 questionnaire (SF-36). Results. Altogether 252 (69% females) fusion patients and 682 (67% females) populatio…

Relationship Between Accelerometer-Based Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Mental Health in Young Finnish Men

Healthy lifestyle behaviors including physical activity (PA) have been recognized to contribute positively to mental health. Most of the evidence on relationship between PA and mental health relies on self-reported PA results. Device-based measures on PA or sedentary behavior (SB) are less frequently used in mental health research. The present study aimed at examining the relationship between mental health and PA/SB measured by accelerometers in young Finnish men. The sample consisted of 409 men (mean age 28 ± 7 years), who participated in the military refresher training in Finland. Self-rated mental health was measured with Mental Health Inventory (MHI-5) and short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental…

Structural Validity of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score for Orthopaedic Pathologies with Rasch Measurement Theory

Publisher Copyright: © 2021 The Authors A B S T R A C T Background: The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) is one of the most frequently used patient reported outcome measures for foot and ankle conditions. The aim is to test the structural validity of the Finnish version of the FAOS using Rasch Measurement Theory. Methods: FAOS scores were obtained from 218 consecutive patients who received operative treatment for foot and ankle conditions. The FAOS data were fitted into the Rasch model and person separation index (PSI) calculated. Results: All the five subscales provided good coverage and targeting. Three subscales presented unidimensional structure. Thirty-eight of the 42 items had orde…

Reoperations after first lumbar disc herniation surgery; a special interest on residives during a 5-year follow-up

Abstract Background The overall rate of operations after recurrent lumbar disc herniation has been shown to be 3–11%. However, little is known about the rate of residives. Thus the aim of this study was to explore the cumulative rates of re-operations and especially residive disc herniations at the same side and level as the primary disc herniation after first lumbar disc herniation surgery and the factors that influence the risk of re-operations over a five year follow-up study. Methods 166 virgin lumbar disc herniation patients (mean age 42 years, 57% males) were studied. Data on patients' initial disc operations and type and timing of re-operations during the follow-up were collected fro…

Randomized controlled trial of postoperative exercise rehabilitation program after lumbar spine fusion: study protocol

Abstract Background Lumbar spine fusion (LSF) effectively decreases pain and disability in specific spinal disorders; however, the disability rate following surgery remains high. This, combined with the fact that in Western countries the number of LSF surgeries is increasing rapidly it is important to develop rehabilitation interventions that improve outcomes. Methods/design In the present RCT-study we aim to assess the effectiveness of a combined back-specific and aerobic exercise intervention for patients after LSF surgery. One hundred patients will be randomly allocated to a 12-month exercise intervention arm or a usual care arm. The exercise intervention will start three months after su…

FRI0056 Joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis over 15-20 years – are there differences between women and men?

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is suggested to be a more severe disease in women than in men as disease activity appears higher in women and men meet remission criteria more often than women do. Long-term severity of RA can be analyzed from permanent joint damage in radiographs. Objectives To study possible differences in the extent of radiographic joint damage between women and men in four early RA cohorts with 15 or more years of prospective follow-up. Methods Early RA cohorts with prospective longitudinal observations include following cohorts: Jyvaskyla Central Hospital with 70 patients from 1990’s (JYV1990) and 135 patients from the 1980’s (JYV1980), Lund University Hospital with…

Fitness, body composition and blood lipids following 3 concurrent strength and endurance training modes

This study investigated changes in physical fitness, body composition, and blood lipid profile following 24 weeks of 3 volume-equated concurrent strength and endurance training protocols. Physically active, healthy male and female participants (aged 18–40 years) performed strength and endurance sessions on different days (DD; men, n = 21; women, n = 18) or in the same session with endurance preceding strength (ES; men, n = 16; women, n = 15) or vice versa (SE; men, n = 18; women, n = 14). The training volume was matched in all groups. Maximal leg press strength (1-repetition maximum (1RM)) and endurance performance (maximal oxygen consumption during cycling), body composition (dual-energy X…

Test-retest repeatability of questionnaire for pain symptoms for school children aged 10–15 years

Abstract Background and aims There is a growing body of evidence, that pain is common at school age. Less is known about the repeatability of pain questionnaires for children. This study aimed to assess the test-retest repeatability of the Finnish version of the electronic pain questionnaire for school-aged children. Methods Primary (n = 79) and lower secondary (n = 127) schoolchildren aged 10–15 years from two schools from the Jyväskylä region of Finland, filled in an electronic questionnaire twice in an interval of 2 weeks. It captured the frequency of pain symptoms with a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire covering nine areas of the body for the last 3 months. The intraclass correlati…

Prognosis of Pain and Physical Functioning in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective To systematically summarize the literature on the course of pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), prognostic factors that predict deterioration of pain, the course of physical functioning, and prognostic factors that predict deterioration of physical functioning in persons with knee OA. Methods A search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Psych-INFO, and SPORTDiscus up to January 2014. A meta-analysis and a qualitative data synthesis were performed. Results Of the 58 studies included, 39 were of high quality. High heterogeneity across studies (I(2) >90%) and within study populations (reflected by large SDs of change scores) was found. Therefore, the course of pain a…

International Symposium Physical Activity and Health Promotion during life course, January 21-23, 2013 : book of abstracts

Relationship between different domains of physical activity and positive mental health among young adult men

Abstract Background There is growing evidence on positive effects of physical activity (PA) on mental health. However, the focus of previous research on this relationship has typically been on mental health from the perspective of mental health problems rather than from the perspective of mental wellbeing. Further, previous research has commonly focused rather on leisure time PA without evidence on the role of other domains of PA. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between positive mental health (PMH) and different domains of PA in young Finnish men. The secondary aim was to examine the reasons for physical inactivity among individuals with a lo…

Course and Predictors of Pain and Physical Functioning in Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: To systematically summarize the literature on: (i) the course of pain and physical functioning; and (ii) predictors of deterioration of pain and physical functioning in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip. Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsychINFO and SPORTDiscus up to July 2015. Meta-analyses and qualitative data syntheses were performed. Results: Eleven of the 15 included studies were of high quality. With regard to the course of pain and physical functioning, high heterogeneity was found across studies (I2 >71%) and within study populations (reflected by large standard deviations of change scores). Therefore, the course of pain and phy…

Quality of life and disability:can they be improved by active postoperative rehabilitation after spinal fusion surgery in patients with spondylolisthesis? A randomised controlled trial with 12-month follow-up

Purpose The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of the postoperative 12-month exercise program compared to usual care on disability and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients after lumbar spine fusion surgery (LSF). Methods Altogether, 98 patients with isthmic (31) or degenerative (67) spondylolisthesis were randomised to exercise therapy group (EG) (n = 48) or usual care group (UCG) (n = 50) 3 months after LSF. EG patients had home-based progressive strength and aerobic training program for 12 months. UCG patients received only oral and written instructions of exercises. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and HRQoL (RAND-36) were evaluated at the time of randomiz…

Strength training and stretching versus stretching only in the treatment of patients with chronic neck pain: a randomized one-year follow-up study

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of a 12-month home-based combined strength training and stretching programme against stretching alone in the treatment of chronic neck pain. Design: A randomized follow-up study. Participants: One hundred and one patients with chronic non-specific neck pain were randomized in two groups. Intervention: The strength training and stretching group was supported by 10 group training sessions and the stretching group was instructed to perform stretching exercises only as instructed in one group session. Main outcome measurements: Neck pain, disability, neck muscle strength and mobility of cervical spine were measured before and after the intervention. Resu…

Short-term effects of Finnish sauna bathing on blood-based markers of cardiovascular function in non-naive sauna users

Emerging evidence suggests that sauna bathing is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality events. However, the biochemical pathways by which sauna bathing might confer its effects on cardiovascular function are not certain. We aimed to study the acute effects of Finnish sauna bathing on various blood-based cardiovascular biomarkers. The study included 102 non-naive sauna users (54% male) with mean age of 51.9 years, who had at least one cardiovascular risk factor. Participants underwent a 30-min single sauna session (mean temperature, 73 °C). Biochemical profiling was conducted before, immediately after sauna and 30-min post-sauna. Overall median N-terminal pro…

Effects of High-Impact Training on Bone and Articular Cartilage: 12-Month Randomized Controlled Quantitative MRI Study

Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis often coexist in postmenopausal women. The simultaneous effect of bone-favorable high-impact training on these diseases is not well understood and is a topic of controversy. We evaluated the effects of high-impact exercise on bone mineral content (BMC) and the estimated biochemical composition of knee cartilage in postmenopausal women with mild knee osteoarthritis. Eighty women aged 50 to 66 years with mild knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to undergo supervised progressive exercise three times a week for 12 months (n = 40) or to a nonintervention control group (n = 40). BMC of the femoral neck, trochanter, and lumbar spine was measured by dual-energ…

Acute Neuromuscular and Endocrine Responses and Recovery to Single-Session Combined Endurance and Strength Loadings

The purpose of this study was to investigate acute neuromuscular and endocrine responses and recovery to a single session of combined endurance and strength loading using 2 loading orders. Forty-two men were demographically matched to perform a single session of combined endurance + strength (E + S) or strength + endurance (S + E) loading. The strength loading was conducted on a leg press and included sets of power, maximal strength, and hypertrophic loads with an overall duration of 30 minutes. The endurance loading was conducted on a bike ergometer and performed by continuous cycling over 30 minutes at 65% of subject's individual maximal watts. Both loading conditions led to significant a…

Muscle strength and range of movement deficits 1 year after hip resurfacing surgery using posterior approach.

The aim was to evaluate the effect of the posterior surgical approach on hip muscle strength and range of movement (ROM).Maximal isometric external and internal rotator strength of the hip muscles and bilateral leg extension strength were measured by dynamometers. Active (AROM) and passive (PROM) range of motion of the hip were measured by goniometers in 30 patients before and 3, 6 and 12 months after hip resurfacing. Postoperatively the patients were advised to return to their usual physical activities.Prior to the surgery internal rotation strength was on the same level on both sides, whereas external rotation strength of the operated hip was 26% (p0.001) lower compared with the unoperate…

Validation of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index in Patients Having Undergone Ankle Fracture Surgery

The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) is a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) that is widely used to evaluate the pain, stiffness, and physical function of patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. Although the WOMAC has also been used for patients after foot and ankle surgery, it has not been validated for this purpose. A total of 130 patients with surgically treated ankle fractures completed the WOMAC, Visual Analogue Scale Foot and Ankle (VAS FA), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), 15D Health-Related Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (15D), and Visual Analog Scale for General Health (VAS general health) after foot and ankle surgery. The…

Axial neck rotation strength in neutral and prerotated postures.

Abstract Objective. To characterize isometric rotation strength in the neutral and in different prerotated positions of the neck. Design. This was a descriptive study involving maximal isometric strength measurements of the cervical musculature. Background. The literature contains only a few studies pertaining to strength levels of the neck rotator muscles in the neutral position. None of these studies have dealt in detail with maximal neck strength in selected prerotation positions. Method. Twenty healthy men volunteered as subjects. Maximal axial rotation strength of the neck muscles was measured in a neutral position and bilaterally at 30° and 60° rotation using the isometric neck streng…

Psychometric Properties Of The Finnish Version Of The Lower Extremity Functional Scale Among Foot And Ankle Patients

Muscle cross-sectional area, force production and relaxation characteristics in women at different ages

Thirty women, divided among three different age groups, i.e. 30 years (range 26–35;n = 10), 50 years (range 46–55;n = 10) and 70 years (range 66–75;n = 10) volunteered as subjects for examination of the characteristics of the muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), maximal voluntary isometric force, isometric force-time and relaxation-time of their leg extensor muscles. The CSA of the quadriceps femoris muscle in the youngest age group was slightly larger (NS) than in the middle-aged group and much larger (P<0.41) than in the oldest age group whose CSA was markedly smaller (P<0.01) than the middle-aged group. Maximal force in the youngest group was slightly greater (NS) than in the middle-aged g…

Guide to evidence-based physical therapy practice

Dianne V. Jewell. Guide to evidence-based physical therapy practice. Jones and Barlett Publishers, Sudbury, MA. 2008. ISBN-13:978-0-7637-3443-5 (soft cover). 480 pages. Price $55.95 The author's go...

Assessment of the structural validity of three foot and ankle specific patient-reported outcome measures

Background: The structural validity of the Lower extremity functional scale (LEFS), the Visual analogue scale foot and ankle (VAS-FA), and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) has not been compared earlier in patients after foot and ankle surgery. Methods: Altogether 165 previously operated patients completed the foot and ankle specific instruments, the 15D health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instrument, and general health (VAS). Results: The LEFS, the VAS-FA and the WOMAC had slight differences in their measurement properties. The VAS-FA had the best targeting and coverage. All three foot and ankle measures accounted for mobility and usual activitie…

Relationships Between Physical Fitness, Demands of Flight Duty, and Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Military Pilots.

Although the mechanisms of G-induced stresses on the spinal structure of military pilots are well understood, less is known about relationships between the intensity of physical activity, fitness, occupational musculoskeletal symptoms, and the degree of resulting disabilities. During an aeromedical examination, Finnish military pilots answered a questionnaire on their flying experience, the occurrence of flight duty-related pain, the degree of resulting disabilities, and the intensity of physical activity they conducted. 195 males were selected for further analysis. They were divided into three groups, designated high G, low G, and HQ, according to their current flight duty profile. 93% of …

sj-pdf-1-cre-10.1177_02692155231170687 - Supplemental material for Neck–Shoulder Region Training for Chronic Headache in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Supplemental material, sj-pdf-1-cre-10.1177_02692155231170687 for Neck–Shoulder Region Training for Chronic Headache in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial by Marjo Rinne, Sanna Garam and Katriina Kukkonen-Harjula, Kari Tokola, Arja Häkkinen, Jari Ylinen, Riku Nikander in Clinical Rehabilitation

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Finnish Version of the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire

Background and Aims: Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire is a widely used patient-reported outcome measure in hand surgery. The aim of this study was to translate and validate the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire into Finnish for Finnish patients with hand problems following international standards and guidelines. Material and Methods: The original English Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire was translated into Finnish. Altogether, 115 patients completed the Finnish Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, and reference outcomes: Disabilities of the Arm and Shoulder, EQ-5D 3L and pain intensity on a visual analog scale. Grip and key pinch forces were measured. After 1–2 weeks, 63 patient…

Acute effects of cold pack on mechanical properties of the quadriceps muscle in healthy subjects.

Purpose: To examine the effects of local cooling on mechanical properties of the quadriceps muscle in healthy subjects. Subjects: Thirty-nine healthy subjects (27 women, 12 men, mean age 39, range 20e62) volunteered. Methods: A cold gel pack was applied to the quadriceps muscle for 20 min. Properties were quantified by analyzing the frequency (tension), decrement (elasticity) and stiffness of damped oscillations and the compliance of the muscle before, immediately after and after 15-min after cooling. Results: The largest responses immediately after cooling were seen in the oscillation decrement parameter, 7.9 (3.7e12.1) %, and in the compliance parameter, � 7.5 (� 9.8 to � 5.3) %. Response…

Effects of Concurrent Strength and Endurance Training on Physical Fitness and Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women With Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Valkeinen H, Alen M, Hakkinen A, Hannonen P, Kukkonen-Harjula K, Hakkinen K. Effects of concurrent strength and endurance training on physical fitness and symptoms in postmenopausal women with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. Objective To examine the effectiveness of concurrent strength and endurance training on muscle strength, aerobic and functional performance, and symptoms in postmenopausal women with fibromyalgia (FM). Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting Local gym and university research laboratory. Participants Twenty-six women with FM. Intervention Progressive and supervised 21-week concurrent strength and endurance training. Main Outcome Measures Muscle …

Acute Neuromuscular and Hormonal Responses to Different Exercise Loadings Followed by a Sauna.

Rissanen, JA, Hakkinen, A, Laukkanen, J, Kraemer, WJ, and Hakkinen, K. Acute neuromuscular and hormonal responses to different exercise loadings followed by a sauna. J Strength Cond Res 34(2): 313-322, 2020-The purpose of this study was to investigate acute responses of endurance (E + SA), strength (S + SA), and combined endurance and strength exercise (C + SA) followed by a traditional sauna bath (70° C, 18% relative humidity) on neuromuscular performance and serum hormone concentrations. Twenty-seven recreationally physically active men who were experienced with taking a sauna participated in the study. All the subjects performed a sauna bath only (SA) first as a control measurement follo…

Aikuisten selän ryhtivirheet : leikkaushoidon pitkäaikaistulokset K-SKS:ssa

Adult patients with degenerative deformities (ASD) benefit surgical treatment when exercise and pain medication seize to control their symptoms. Disability and clinical symptoms are stronger drivers against surgical treatment of ASD than radiographic changes. We present the results of 79 adult patients’ corrective surgery for degenerative spinal deformity of after 1-10 year follow-up. PI-LL (pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis) mismatch remained stable after correction during follow-up. Global sagittal balance indicated by sagittal vertical axis (SVA) and T1 pelvic angle (TPA) started deteriorating after 2.5 years postoperatively. 26 (32.9%) patients required reoperation. 77.1% of the pa…

Reliability and validity of the Finnish version of the Visual Analogue Scale Foot and Ankle (VAS-FA).

Background: There have previously been no validated foot and ankle-specific patient-reported outcome measures in Finnish. Methods: The Visual Analogue Scale Foot and Ankle (VAS-FA) was translated and adapted into Finnish. Thereafter, 165 patients who had undergone foot and ankle surgery completed a questionnaire set on two separate occasions. Analyses included testing of floor-ceiling effect, internal consistency, reproducibility, and validity. Results: Minor linguistic differences emerged during the translation. Some structural adjustments were made. The mean (SD) total VAS-FA score was 74 (23). In the three subscales, maximum scores were noted in 2-5% of the responses, and internal consis…

Effects of a progressive aquatic resistance exercise program on the biomechanical composition and morphology of cartilage in women with mild knee osteoarthritis: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background. Symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the knee result in decreased function, loss of working capacity and extensive social and medical costs. There is a need to investigate and develop effective interventions to minimise the impact of and even prevent the progression of osteoarthritis. Aquatic exercise has been shown to be effective at reducing the impact of osteoarthritis. The purpose of this article is to describe the rationale, design and intervention of a study investigating the effect of an aquatic resistance exercise intervention on cartilage in postmenopausal women with mild knee osteoarthritis. Methods. A minimum of 80 volunteers who meet the inclusion criteria will…

Relationships Between Youth Sports Participation and Mental Health in Young Adulthood Among Finnish Males

There is a growing body of evidence that higher level of physical activity is associated with a better state of mental health. Less is known about the relationships between youth competitive sports and mental health in the adulthood. The aim of the study was to examine whether retrospectively assessed sports participation (SP) and competitive sports (CS) at the age of 12 years is associated with mental health (mental well-being as well as mental distress) and health behaviour in young adulthood among males. The study sample consisted of 680 males aged between 20−35 years. The data were gathered with self-administered questionnaires in 2015 in Finland. Mental well-being was measured with The…

Effect of biomechanical footwear on upper and lower leg muscle activity in comparison with knee brace and normal walking

Abstract Aim To evaluate the activity of knee stabilizing muscles while using custom-made biomechanical footwear (BF) and to compare it when walking barefoot and with a knee brace (Unloader®). Methods Seventeen healthy working-aged (mean age: 29 years; standard deviation: 8 years) individuals participated. The knee brace was worn on the right knee and BF in both legs. Surface electromyography (sEMG) data was recorded bilaterally from vastus medialis (VM), semitendinosus (ST), tibialis anterior (TA) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) muscles during walking, and repeated-measures ANOVA with a post-hoc t-test was used to determine differences between the different walking modalities (barefoot, bra…

Effect of cognitive impairment on basic activities of daily living in hip fracture patients: a 1-year follow-up.

Background and aims: To compare changes in basic self-care activities in various cognitive groups of hip fracture patients by the Katz Index of Independence in activities of daily living (ADL). Methods: 117 community-dwelling elderly subjects with acute hip fracture (age 67–92 years), referred to the geriatric unit of Jyvaskyla Central Hospital for rehabilitation, participated in the study. Basic self-care activities were evaluated by the Katz ADL Index and cognition by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results: Prior to hip fracture, the patients in the lowest MMSE group had a significantly lower Katz Index than the other three groups (p<0.001). Disability increased in a statistica…

Development of comorbidity-adapted exercise protocols for patients with knee osteoarthritis

Mari&amp;euml;tte de Rooij,1 Marike van der Leeden,1,2 Ellis Avezaat,3 Arja H&amp;auml;kkinen,4 Rob Klaver,1 Tjieu Maas,5 Wilfred F Peter,1 Leo D Roorda,1 Willem F Lems,1,6 Joost Dekker1,71Amsterdam Rehabilitation Research Center, Reade, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; 2VU University Medical Center Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; 3Sint Lucas Andreas Hospital, Department of Physical Therapy, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; 4Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyv&amp;auml;skyl&amp;auml; and Jyv&amp;auml;skyl&amp;auml; Central Hospital, Jyv&amp;auml;skyl&amp;auml;, Finland; 5HAN University, Institute of Health, GGM, Institute for Sports and Exercise Studies…

Self-reported Reasons for Changes in Performance of Everyday Activities During a 2-Year Multidisciplinary Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation

Background: Few multidisciplinary rehabilitation studies with a heterogeneous design have focused on people with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study compared subjective-reported changes in performance and satisfaction with daily activities among moderately and severely disabled people with MS during a 2-year, multidisciplinary, group-based, outpatient rehabilitation program comprising education in self-management and compensatory techniques, exercise, and guided peer support. Methods: Thirty-eight adults with moderate disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] score of 4.0–5.5, 74% women, mean age of 48 years) and 41 persons with severe disability (EDSS 6.0–8.5, 63% women, mean age…

Effects of progressive aquatic resistance training on symptoms and quality of life in women with knee osteoarthritis: A secondary analysis.

Abstract Objective: To conduct a secondary analysis to study the effects, those 4 months of aquatic resistance training have on self‐assessed symptoms and quality of life in post‐menopausal women with mild knee osteoarthritis (OA), after the intervention and after a 12‐month follow‐up period. Methods: A total of 87 post‐menopausal volunteer women, aged 60‐68 years, with mild knee OA were recruited in a randomized, controlled, 4‐month aquatic training trial (RCT) and randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 43) and a control (n = 44) group. The intervention group participated in 48 supervised aquatic resistance training sessions over 4 months while the control group maintained their usual l…

Individual responses to combined endurance and strength training in older adults.

Purpose: A combination of endurance and strength training is generally used to seek further health benefits or enhanced physical performance in older adults compared with either of the training modes alone. The mean change within a training group, however, may conceal a wide range of individual differences in the responses. The purpose, therefore, was to examine the individual trainability of aerobic capacity and maximal strength, when endurance and strength training are performed separately or concurrently. Methods: For this study, 175 previously untrained volunteers, 89 men and 86 women between the ages of 40 and 67 yr, completed a 21-wk period of either strength training (S) twice a week…

Reliability and validity of the Finnish version of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form, patient self-report section

Background The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) is one of the most widely used shoulder outcome tools in clinical work and in scientific studies. However, it has not been validated in the Finnish language. The aims of this study were to cross-culturally adapt the ASES to the Finnish language and to study the psychometric properties of the self-report section of the ASES. Methods A total of 105 patients with shoulder symptoms answered the questionnaires of the ASES, a single disability question, the Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). The reliability of the ASES questionnaire was studied using a test-retest…

Maternal risk factors of urinary incontinence during pregnancy and postpartum: A prospective cohort study

Highlights • Urinary incontinence after delivery affects every fifth woman. • Urinary incontinence before pregnancy is a risk factor of postpartum incontinence. • Primiparous women are at a greater risk of urinary incontinence after birth.

Translation and validation of the Finnish version of the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ)

Abstract Background and aim Low back pain (LBP) is a debilitating problem worldwide causing disability and reducing quality of life. The Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) was developed on the basis of the assumption that fear-avoidance beliefs play a major role in LBP-related disability. It comprises 16 items scored by the patient and includes sub-scores for fear-avoidance beliefs regarding work and physical activity. This study aimed to translate and validate the Finnish version of the FABQ and to measure its properties among Finnish patients with LBP. Material and methods A forward-backward translation procedure was used based on modified recommended guidelines. The FABQ was app…

Linguistic Validation Of The Finnish Version Of The Visual Analogue Scale Foot And Ankle Instrument

Effects of prolonged and maintenance strength training on force production, walking, and balance in aging women and men

To examine effects of 21-week twice/week strength training (ST) period followed by an additional 21-week twice or once/week ST period on force production, walking and balance in aging people. Seventy-two women (58 ± 7 years; W) and 63 (58 ± 6 years) men (M) were randomized for the first 21-week ST period: STW and STM, control (C) CW and CM. Training participants were randomized for the second 21-week ST period: once/week STWx1 and STMx1, twice/week STWx2 and STMx2. LegPress, isometric leg extension rate of force development (RFD), walking time, and balance. First 21-week ST period: leg press, RFD, balance, and walking improved significantly in STW and STM. Second 21-week ST period: leg pres…

Reoperation Rates Following Instrumented Lumbar Spine Fusion

Study Design. A prospective cohort study. Objective. This study evaluated the cumulative reoperation rate and indications for reoperation following instrumented lumbar spine fusion (LSF). Summary of Background Data. LSF reduces disability and improves health-related quality of life for patients with several spinal disorders. The rate of instrumented LSF has drastically increased over the last few decades. The increased incidence of LSF, however, has led to increased reoperation rates. Methods. The data are based on the prospective LSF database of Tampere University Hospital that includes all elective indications for LSF surgery. A total of 433 consecutive patients (64% women, mean age 62 ye…

Relationships Between Youth Sports Participation and Mental Health in Young Adulthood Among Finnish Males

Purpose: To examine whether retrospectively assessed sports participation (SP) and competitive sports (CS) at the age of 12 years is associated with mental health and health behavior in young adulthood among males. Design: A cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires. Setting: Conducted prior to compulsory military refresher training course in Finland allowing geographically representative sample of Finnish young men. Participants: Six hundred eighty males aged between 20 and 35 years. Measures: Mental well-being was measured with the short version of Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale and mental distress with 5 items of The Short Form Helalth Survey (SF-36) scale. …

Physical Fitness in Postmenopausal Women with Fibromyalgia

The purpose of this study was to compare physical fitness and health-related quality-of-life between twenty-three postmenopausal women with fibromyalgia (age 58 +/- 3 years) and eleven healthy women (58 +/- 5 years). Aerobic fitness and isometric force of different muscle groups were measured. Functional performance was assessed by walking and stair-climbing times. Symptoms were assessed by visual analog scale and quality-of-life by RAND-36 questionnaire. Women with fibromyalgia had significantly lower isometric force in bilateral leg extensors (1285 vs. 1898 N), unilateral knee extensors (414 vs. 502 N) and flexors (197 vs. 235 N) than healthy women, but no differences were observed in for…

Efficacy of progressive aquatic resistance training for tibiofemoral cartilage in postmenopausal women with mild knee osteoarthritis : a randomised controlled trial

Objective: To study the efficacy of aquatic resistance training on biochemical composition of tibiofemoral cartilage in postmenopausal women with mild knee osteoarthritis (OA). Design: Eighty seven volunteer postmenopausal women, aged 60-68 years, with mild knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grades I/II and knee pain) were recruited and randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 43) and control (n = 44) group. The intervention group participated in 48 supervised aquatic resistance training sessions over 16 weeks while the control group maintained usual level of physical activity. The biochemical composition of the medial and lateral tibiofemoral cartilage was estimated using single-slice transverse …

Neutral Spine Control Exercises in Rehabilitation After Lumbar Spine Fusion

Lumbar spine fusion (LSF) has been reported to change the biomechanics of the spine and therefore the rehabilitation after LSF is important. In this study, the effect of selected neutral spine control exercises on activation of trunk muscles after LSF was evaluated. Muscle activity was measured by surface electromyography of the rectus abdominis, external oblique, longissimus, and multifidus muscles during 6 exercises in 22 LSF patients (mean age = 59 years; age range = 25-84 years; 50% women). Muscle activity concurrent with trunk flexion and extension during maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) was used as a reference value. Pain during the effort was assessed with a visual anal…

Structural validity of the Finnish Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) using the Rasch model.

Background: The 16-item patient-reported Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) with subscales of pain, social interactions, and walking/standing has been claimed for strongest scientific evidence in measuring foot and ankle complaints. This study tests the validity of the Finnish MOXFQ for orthopaedic foot and ankle population using the Rasch analysis. Methods: We translated the MOXFQ into Finnish and used that translation in our study. MOXFQ scores were obtained from 183 patients. Response category distribution, item fit, coverage, targeting, item dependency, ability to measure latent trait (unidimensionality), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), and person separation index (PS…

Effectiveness of postoperative home-exercise compared with usual care on kinesiophobia and physical activity in spondylolisthesis:A randomized controlled trial

Objective: To study the effectiveness of a 12-month exercise therapy on kinesiophobia and physical activity in patients with spondylolisthesis after lumbar spine fusion. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Subjects: Patients (n = 98) with spondylolisthesis who had undergone lumbar spine fusion. Methods: All patients (mean age 59 years) had received lumbar spine fusion surgery and identical postoperative instructions. Three months postoperatively, they were randomized into an exercise group (n = 48) or usual care group (n = 50). The exercise group received 12-month progressive home-based training with regular booster sessions, and the usual care group a single session of physiotherapy instr…

OP0159 THE EFFECT OF HIGH-INTENSITY RESISTANCE TRAINING AND VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION ON MUSCLE STRENGTH IN PATIENTS WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Background Exercise therapy is the cornerstone of knee osteoarthritis (OA) management. In particular muscle strengthening exercise, targeting the characteristic loss of muscle strength present in knee OA, is a key factor for the beneficial effects reported for exercise therapy. The optimal training intensity for resistance training in patients with knee OA, however, is not known to date. Besides resistance training, vitamin D supplementation in patients with vitamin deficiency may optimize muscle strength. Objectives To assess (i) whether high-intensity resistance training leads to greater improvements in muscle strength compared to moderate-intensity resistance training in patients with kn…

External rotation strength deficit after hip resurfacing surgery.

The aim was to assess the effect of resurfacing hip arthroplasty on hip muscle function, when, in the posterior approach, the piriformis tendon and outer rotators of the hip joint were divided. The unoperated side was used as a control.Thirty-three consecutive patients (mean age 55 years, 73% males) were operated using the posterior approach. Main outcome measures were isometric muscle strength of external and internal rotators and extensors of the hip and hip pain.Hip external rotation strength (p0.001) and leg extension strength (p0.001) were significantly lower on the operated side compared with the un-operated side prior to the surgery. On the operated side external rotation strength de…

Walking Training and Functioning Among Elderly Persons With Stroke: Results of a Prospective Cohort Study.

Abstract Objective To determine if 65- to 85-year-old persons who had a stroke within the previous 3-36 months can improve functioning and quality of life during walking rehabilitation. Design Prospective cohort study with 6-month follow-up. Setting Three inpatient rehabilitation centers and one outpatient rehabilitation center. Participants A total of 147 persons who had sustained a stroke. Intervention The multidisciplinary rehabilitation intervention consisted of inpatient (20 days) or outpatient (18 days) rehabilitation with follow-up. Rehabilitation included walking exercises with and without body-weight support and conventional physiotherapy. After the rehabilitation period, participa…

Effects of long-term home-based exercise on health-related quality of life in patients with chronic neck pain: A randomized study with a 1-year follow-up.

To evaluate whether long-term neck and upper body exercises conducted in economical community-based outpatient clinic and home-based settings could improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL)for individuals affected by chronic neck pain. The effect of baseline HRQoL and neck pain values on training adherence was also studied.Subjects (n = 101, 91 women/10 men, mean age 41.0 ± 9.5 years) with chronic non-specific neck pain were randomized to a combined strength-training and stretching-exercise group (CSSG, n = 49) or to a stretching exercise group (SG, n = 52). HRQoL was assessed at baseline and after 12 months using the RAND-36 questionnaire. Comparisons between groups were performed usi…

Heart Rate Dynamics after Combined Endurance and Strength Training in Older Men

Purpose: Aging alters cardiac autonomic function, which may contribute to a higher risk of cardiac events. Spectral measures of HR variability (HRV) and fractal-like behavior of HR are considered as markers of a healthy heart. The present study examined the effects of combining endurance and strength training compared with endurance or strength training alone on HR dynamics and physical fitness in older previously untrained men aged 40-67 yr. Methods: Subjects were randomized into endurance training (E, n = 23), strength training (S, n = 25), combined endurance and strength training (ES, n = 29), or control group (C, n = 16). Short-term fractal scaling exponent ([alpha]1) and spectral HRV w…

Muscle tone in different joint positions and at submaximal isometric torque levels

The aim was to evaluate the tone and electric activity of the quadriceps muscle at rest and different torque levels. The second aim was to study whether thickness of soft tissues and change in the joint position would affect muscle tone. Eighteen healthy subjects participated. Computerized muscle tonometer (CMT) and surface electromyography (sEMG) measurements were performed: seated, first at rest with leg straight and then with the knee at 60 degrees . Thereafter measurements were obtained at levels of 80, 60, 40 and 20% of the maximum isometric torque at the same knee angle. Thickness of skin, subcutis and muscle was measured by ultrasound. The CMT values taken were the depth the indenter…

The relationship between functional disability and health-related quality of life in patients with a rotator cuff tear

To determine the relationship between functional disability and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in rotator cuff tear (RCT) patients.In 67 RCT patients (mean age, 54 years; 57% males), functional disability was self-reported with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), HRQoL with the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), and pain by visual analogue scale. ASES results were divided into tertiles (12-38, 39-51, and 52-82).Mean ASES score was 48 (range, 12-82). Patients with the highest functional disability and highest pain level had the lowest HRQoL. For the highest, middle, and lowest ASES categories, respectively, mean SF-36 Physical Comp…

Effects of Strength Training on Neuromuscular Function and Disease Activity in Patients with Recent-onset Inflammatory Arthritis

Thirty-nine consecutive patients with recent-onset rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis were randomly allotted for six months period either to the experimental progressive dynamic strength training group (EG, 10 women and 11 men; 41 +/- 10 yrs), or to the control group (CG, 10 women and 8 men; 45 +/- 11 yrs) who just maintained their habitual physical activities. All patients received antirheumatic medication throughout the experimental period. During the study period significant improvements took place in the EG in maximal muscle strength of all examined muscle groups (31.5% for the knee extensors, p0.001; 14.8% and 10.7% for the trunk flexors and extensors, p0.01; 27.8% and 20.4% for grip st…

Combined Strength and Endurance Training Improves Health-Related Quality of Life in Healthy Middle-Aged and Older Adults

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 21 weeks of strength and/or endurance training on health related quality of life (HRQoL) in 39-77 year-old healthy subjects. 108 men and 96 women were randomized into endurance, strength, or combined training groups and controls. Strength-group performed high-intensity strength training while endurance-group performed cycle training. Combined-group completed both training protocols. Leg extension strength and maximal oxygen uptake were measured. HRQoL was assessed with a Finnish version of SF-36 questionnaire. A significant training-induced difference was observed between groups (p=0.038) in the vitality dimension of HRQoL, which was …

Muscle strength characteristics and central bone mineral density in women with recent onset rheumatoid arthritis compared with healthy controls.

Muscle strength and bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine (BMDspine) and femoral neck (BMDfem) were determined in 20 healthy women and in 20 women with recent onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The mean duration of articular symptoms of the patients was eleven months and none of them had used glucocorticoids or disease modifying antirheumatic drugs. BMDs were measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Knee extension, trunk extension, and flexion as well as grip strength were measured with David 200 and Digitest dynamometers. BMDspine (1.17 g/cm2 and 1.20 g/cm2) and BMDfem (0.98 g/cm2 and 0.96 g/cm2) between the women with early RA and healthy women did not differ. However, knee ext…

Rasch validation of the Depression Scale among patients with low back pain.

BACKGROUND: The Depression Scale (DEPS) is a commonly used screening tool for major depression in studies investigating low back pain, yet it has not been validated for patients with back-specific problems. OBJECTIVE: To assess the psychometric properties of the DEPS in patients with degenerative spinal disease. METHODS: Six hundred and thirty-seven patients with a degenerative spinal disease completed the DEPS instrument. The Rasch Measurement Theory was applied to analyze the measurement properties of the DEPS. The main hypothesis-driven approach was whether the DEPS would meet relevant psychometric criteria for assessing depressive symptoms among patients with degenerative spinal disease…

Effects of morning versus evening combined strength and endurance training on physical performance, muscle hypertrophy, and serum hormone concentrations

This study investigated the effects of 24 weeks of morning versus evening same-session combined strength (S) and endurance (E) training on physical performance, muscle hypertrophy, and resting serum testosterone and cortisol diurnal concentrations. Forty-two young men were matched and assigned to a morning (m) or evening (e) E + S or S + E group (mE + S, n = 9; mS + E, n = 9; eE + S, n = 12; and eS + E, n = 12). Participants were tested for dynamic leg press 1-repetition maximum (1RM) and time to exhaustion (Texh) during an incremental cycle ergometer test both in the morning and evening, cross-sectional area (CSA) of vastus lateralis and diurnal serum testosterone and cortisol concentrati…

Effects of combined endurance and strength training on muscle strength, power and hypertrophy in 40-67-year-old men

Both strength and endurance training have several positive effects on aging muscle and physical performance of middle-aged and older adults, but their combination may compromise optimal adaptation. This study examined the possible interference of combined strength and endurance training on neuromuscular performance and skeletal muscle hypertrophy in previously untrained 40-67-year-old men. Maximal strength and muscle activation in the upper and lower extremities, maximal concentric power, aerobic capacity and muscle fiber size and distribution in the vastus lateralis muscle were measured before and after a 21-week training period. Ninety-six men [mean age 56 (SD 7) years] completed high-int…

Effect of neck strength training on health-related quality of life in females with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled 1-year follow-up study

Abstract Background Chronic neck pain is a common condition associated not only with a decrease in neck muscle strength, but also with decrease in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). While neck strength training has been shown to be effective in improving neck muscle strength and reducing neck pain, HRQoL among patients with neck pain has been reported as an outcome in only two short-term exercise intervention studies. Thus, reports on the influence of a long-term neck strength training intervention on HRQoL among patients with chronic neck pain have been lacking. This study reports the effect of one-year neck strength training on HRQoL in females with chronic neck pain. Methods One hun…

Reliability and validity of the Finnish version of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)

The present study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Finnish version of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) among foot and ankle patients.The LEFS was translated and cross-culturally adapted to Finnish. We assessed the test-retest reliability, internal consistency, floor-ceiling effect, construct validity and criterion validity in patients who underwent surgery due to musculoskeletal pathology of the foot and ankle (N = 166).The test-retest reliability was high (ICC = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.91-0.95). The standard error of measurement was 4.1 points. The Finnish LEFS showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.96). A slight ceiling effect occurred as 17% achieved the …

Fitness, body composition and blood lipids following three concurrent strength and endurance training modes

This study investigated changes in physical fitness, body composition, and blood lipid profile following 24 weeks of 3 volume-equated concurrent strength and endurance training protocols. Physically active, healthy male and female participants (aged 18–40 years) performed strength and endurance sessions on different days (DD; men, n = 21; women, n = 18) or in the same session with endurance preceding strength (ES; men, n = 16; women, n = 15) or vice versa (SE; men, n = 18; women, n = 14). The training volume was matched in all groups. Maximal leg press strength (1-repetition maximum (1RM)) and endurance performance (maximal oxygen consumption during cycling), body composition (dual-energy X…

Elämänlaadun muutokset multippeliskleroosia sairastavilla henkilöillä kymmenen vuoden seurannassa

Therapeutic exercise training to reduce chronic headache in working women: a protocol of randomised controlled trial

Isometric endurance test of the cervical flexor muscles - Reliability and normative reference values.

Abstract Objective To obtain reference values for the isometric endurance test (IET) of the cervical flexor muscles, investigate its reproducibility, and compare the results with the maximal isometric strength test (MIST) of the cervical flexor muscles. Design Cross-sectional non-comparative study with single group repeated measurements. Methods Altogether 219 healthy females aged 20–59 years volunteered to participate in the study. The IET was performed in the supine position and MIST seated. The reproducibility was evaluated by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and an analysis described by Bland and Altman. The relationship between the two measuring methods was evaluated by Pea…

Effectiveness of tailored exercise therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis and comorbidity: a randomized controlled trial

Neck–Shoulder Region Training for Chronic Headache in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives We investigated whether a specific exercise program for the neck–shoulder region reduces headache intensity, frequency, and duration, and how it influences neck disability among women with chronic headache compared to a control group. Design Two-center randomized controlled trial. Subjects 116 working-age women. Intervention The exercise group (n = 57) performed a home-based program with six progressive exercise modules, over 6 months. The control group (n = 59) underwent six placebo-dosed transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation sessions. Both groups performed stretching exercises. Main measures The primary outcome was pain intensity of headache, assessed using the Numeric Pa…

Chronic back pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and in a control population: prevalence and disability--a 5-year follow-up.

Objectives. To determine the prevalence of chronic back pain and its changes over 5 years in patients with RA compared with community controls and to evaluate the influence of chronic back pain in functional capacity, general pain and global health. Methods. The prevalence of chronic back pain in 1076 patients with RA and in 1491 community controls was evaluated using a mailed questionnaire, which also queried the functional capacity on the HAQ, and general pain and global health on visual analogue scales. Results. Chronic back pain was more frequent in the general population than in patients with RA: 19% of patients with RA and 25% of controls reported chronic back pain (P < 0.001). After …

Construct validity and reliability of Finnish version of Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire

Abstract Introduction Chronic pain causes suffering for affected individuals and incurs costs to society through work disability. Interventions based on early screening of psychological risk factors for chronic pain using screening tools such as the Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire (ÖMPSQ) have been found to reduce work absenteeism and health care visits and increase perceived health. The aim of the current study was to translate the ÖMPSQ into Finnish and test its validity and reliability in a patient sample. Methods The ÖMPSQ was forward–backward translated and cross-culturally adapted, and applied to our study population (n = 69), the members of which had been referred…

Corrigendum to “Leisure-time physical activity and metabolic syndrome plus depressive symptoms in the FIN-D2D survey” [Preventive Medicine 51 (2010) 446–470]

a Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyvaskyla, PL 35, FI-40014 Jyvaskyla, Finland b Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Central Finland Health Care District, Keskussairaalantie 19, FI-40620 Jyvaskyla, Finland c Unit of General Practice, Central Finland Health Care District, Keskussairaalantie 19, FI-40620 Jyvaskyla, Finland d ORTON, Rehabilitation Unit, PO Box 29, FI-00281, Helsinki, Finland e Department of Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, FI-70210 Kuopio, Finland f National Institute for Health and Welfare, PO Box 30, FI-00271, Helsinki, Finland g Department of Primary Healthcare, University of Eastern Finland and Unit of …

Efficacy of tailored exercise therapy on physical functioning in patients with knee osteoarthritis and comorbidity : A randomized controlled trial

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy on physical functioning and safety of tailored exercise therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and comorbidities. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, 126 participants were included with a clinical diagnosis of knee OA and at least 1 of the following target comorbidities: coronary disease, heart failure, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2), with severity score ≥2 on the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale. The intervention group received a 20-week, individualized, comorbidity-adapted exercise program consisting of aerobic and strength training and training of daily activities…

Course of physical functioning and pain in osteoarthritis of the knee or hip: a systematic review

Effects of Combined Strength and Endurance Training on Treadmill Load Carrying Walking Performance in Aging Men

Holviala, J, Hakkinen, A, Karavirta, L, Nyman, K, Izquierdo, M, Gorostiaga, EM, Avela, J, Korhonen, J, Knuutila, V-P, Kraemer, WJ, and Hakkinen, K. Effects of combined strength and endurance training on treadmill load carrying walking performance in aging men. J Strength Cond Res 24(6): 1584-1595, 2010—The present study examined the effects of twice weekly total body strength training (ST), endurance cycling (ET), and combined ST and ET (2 + 2 times a week) (SET) training on the load carrying walking test performance on the treadmill (TM) and changes in neuromuscular and endurance performance during a 21-week training period in aging men. Forty healthy men (54.8 6 8.0 years) were divided in…

Räätälöityä harjoittelua polven nivelrikkoon ja liitännäissairauksiin

AB1076 Course of Physical Functioning and Pain in Osteoarthritis of the Knee or Hip: A Systematic Review

Background The natural course of physical functioning in knee and/or hipOA is highly variable; some patients remain stable, while others improve or worsen. Knowledge on prognostic risk factors related to physical functioning are used to adapt interventions. Objectives (1) To systematically summarize the literature from March 2005 to January 2013 on the course of physical functioning and pain in patients with OA of the knee or hip and (2) to provide an overview of prognostic factors of physical functioning and future pain for these patients. Methods A search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase and Psych-INFO in January 2013. Eligible studies were prospective cohort studies that included …

Trunk Muscle Strength After Lumbar Spine Fusion: A 12-Month Follow-up.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate changes in trunk muscle strength 12 months after lumbar spine fusion (LSF) compared to preoperative strength. Methods: A total of 194 patients (mean ± standard deviation [SD] age, 61 ± 21 years) who underwent LSF participated in this prospective longitudinal study. Physical measurements of the participants were made before surgery and 12 months postoperatively. Isometric trunk extension and flexion strength was measured using a strain-gauge dynamometer in the standing position. Strength changes were calculated. Regression analysis was performed to explore which factors predicted strength levels at 12 months postoperatively. Results: The pr…

Strength training induced adaptations in neuromuscular function of premenopausal women with fibromyalgia: comparison with healthy women.

Objective—To investigate the eVects of 21 weeks’ progressive strength training on neuromuscular function and subjectively perceived symptoms in premenopausal women with fibromyalgia (FM). Methods—Twenty one women with FM were randomly assigned to experimental (FMT) or control (FMC) groups. Twelve healthy women served as training controls (HT). The FMT and HT groups carried out progressive strength training twice a week for 21 weeks. The major outcome measures were muscle strength and electromyographic (EMG) recordings. Secondary outcome measures were pain, sleep, fatigue, physical function capacity (Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire), and mood (short version of Beck’s depression inde…

SP0086 Promotion Exercise: The Evidence

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune disease, and the most common form of chronic joint inflammation. Inflammation leads to elevation of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP). RA also results in downregulation of anabolic factors for muscle, for example, muscle levels of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) [1]. The circulating levels of cytokines reflect may also play a significant role in rheumatoid cachexia, which is defined as a loss of body cell mass which predominates in skeletal muscle [2]. Despite the significant improvement of pharmaceutical interventions, therapeutic exerci…

NEUROMUSCULAR PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF OPEN-WHEEL AND RALLY DRIVERS

The purpose of the present study was to investigate neuromuscular performance characteristics in open-wheel and rally drivers using the cross-sectional study design. The subjects (N = 28) consisted of experienced international-level open-wheel drivers (n = 9), experienced international-level rally drivers (n = 9) and a physically active nondriving male control group (n = 10). In 3 separate test sessions, speed, muscle strength, and endurance tests were performed. The rally drivers had higher (p < 0.05) grip, shoulder flexion, and ankle plantar flexion strength, as compared to the control group. The open-wheel drivers showed higher strengths (p < 0.05) than the controls in neck forces, grip,…

Lower thoracic spine extension mobility is associated with higher intensity of thoracic spine pain

Objectives: To evaluate the association of thoracic spine (TS) posture and mobility with TS pain. Methods: Participants with TS pain reported maximum, average, and night pain in TS area, and pain summary score was calculated. Upright and sitting TS postures were evaluated by inspection. TS posture and mobility (flexion and extension) were recorded using an inclinometer and a tape measure, respectively. Correlations between posture and mobility assessments were calculated using Spearman rank correlation, the association of TS posture and mobility with TS pain by logistic regression analysis. Results: The participants’ (n = 73, 52 females, age range 22–56) TS pain duration was 12 weeks on ave…

Acute Hemodynamic Responses to Combined Exercise and Sauna.

AbstractThis study investigated acute hemodynamic, plasma volume and immunological responses to four loading protocols: sauna only, and sauna after endurance, strength or combined endurance and strength exercise. Twenty-seven healthy, slightly prehypertensive men (age 32.7±6.9 years) were measured at PRE, MID (after exercise), POST, POST30min and POST24h. The measurements consisted systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and concentrations of high-sensitive C-reactive protein, white blood cells and plasma volume measurements. Endurance+sauna showed significant decreases in systolic blood pressure at POST (–8.9 mmHg), POST30min (–11.0 mmHg) and POST24h (–4.6 mmHg)…

Acute neuromuscular and endocrine responses and recovery to single session combined endurance and strength loadings: ‘Order effect’ in untrained young men.

The purpose of this study was to investigate acute neuromuscular and endocrine responses and recovery to a single session of combined endurance and strength loading using two loading orders. Forty-two men were demographically matched to perform a single session of combined endurance+strength (E+S) or strength+endurance (S+E) loading. The strength loading was conducted on a leg press and included sets of power, maximal strength and hypertrophic loads with an overall duration of 30 minutes. The endurance loading was conducted on a bike ergometer and performed by continuous cycling over 30min at 65% of subject’s individual maximal Watts. Both loading conditions led to significant acute reducti…

The essence of the experience of chronic pain – a phenomenological study

Neuromuscular function and balance of prepubertal and pubertal blind and sighted boys

Aim: To compare the neuromuscular function and balance of blind prepuberty- and puberty-aged boys to those with normal sight. Methods: Thirty-three prepubertal (aged 9–13 y) and pubertal (aged 15–18 y) blind and sighted boys were tested for muscle mass thickness, electromyography and maximal isometric strength, dynamic explosive actions, and balance. Results: There was no difference in the muscle mass thickness, maximal strength or vertical jump between the blind and sighted boys. However, fitness-ball throwing and five-jump distances were significantly shorter in both blind groups compared to the sighted groups. One-leg stance of the prepuberty-aged sighted boys was 109 (67) s and in blind…

Reliability of the Dynamic Gait Index (Finnish version) in individuals with neurological disorders

To produce a Finnish version of the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) and establish its reliability in people with neurological disorders affecting balance.A consecutive sample of 33 participants in inter-rater and 30 participants in intra-rater sample were tested. The DGI was administered in two testing sessions 1-2 h apart. Reliability was assessed with the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement, coefficient of reproducibility (CR), and standard error of the mean (SEM).The instructions from the original DGI were preserved during the translation process with no need for cultural adaptations. The relative reliability of the total scores proved to be high in i…

Disability, Health-Related Quality of Life and Mortality in Lumbar Spine Fusion Patients—A 5-Year Follow-Up and Comparison With a Population Sample

Study Design: Prospective follow-up study. Objectives: We aimed to assess the effect of lumbar spine fusion (LSF) on disability, health-related quality of life and mortality in a 5-year follow-up, and to compare these results with the general population. Methods: 523 consecutive LSF operations were included in a prospective follow-up. Disability was assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and HRQoL by the 36-item Short Form (SF-36) questionnaire using the physical and mental summary scores (PCS and MCS). The patients were compared with an age-, sex-, and residential area matched general population cohort. Results: The preoperative ODI in the patients was 46 (SD 16), and the change …

Ten-year follow-up of health-related quality of life among ambulatory persons with multiple sclerosis at baseline

Purpose The aim of this 10-year follow-up study was to determine changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) over time among ambulatory persons with MS (PwMS) at the baseline using generic and disease-specific instruments. Methods Of 109 independently walking PwMS included in a population-based study in 2002, 77 (70.6 %) were re-assessed in 2012. HRQoL was captured using the 36-Item Short Form Survey Instrument (RAND-36), 15D instrument (15D), and the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQOL-54). Repeated-measures ANOVA and effect size (ES) calculations (Cohen’s d) were used in the statistical analysis. Results The RAND-36 physical health composite score (p = 0.003, ES = 0.26) and…

Postoperative Sagittal Balance Has Only a Limited Role in the Development of Adjacent Segment Disease After Lumbar Spine Fusion for Degenerative Lumbar Spine Disorders : A Subanalysis of the 10-year Follow-up Study

Study Design. Retrospective additional analysis of a prospective follow-up study. Objectives. We aimed to find out whether poor postoperative sagittal alignment increases revisions for adjacent segment disease (ASD) after lumbar spine fusion (LSF) performed for degenerative lumbar spine disease. Summary of Background Data. Revisions for ASD accumulate over time after LSF for degenerative lumbar spine disease. The etiology of ASD is considered multifactorial. Yet, the role of postoperative sagittal balance in this process remains controversial. Materials and Methods. A total of 215 consecutive patients who had undergone an elective LSF surgery for spinal stenosis with (80%) or without (20%) …

Further validation of the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-30) questionnaire among adult patients with degenerative spinal disorder.

Purpose The Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-30) questionnaire proved valid in measuring health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adult patients with spinal deformity or degenerative disease. This study further assesses the validity of the SRS-30 by comparing its results with other HRQoL instruments, such as Oswestry disability index (ODI) and the RAND-36, among unselected adult patients with degenerative spinal disorder. Materials and methods 628 consecutive patients completed the SRS-30, the ODI, the pain visual analog scale (VAS), and RAND-36 questionnaires. Using a 9 mm minimal important difference threshold of the VAS, patients were divided into three groups of symptom location: back p…

Body Composition and Fitness during Strength and/or Endurance Training in Older Men

PURPOSE: This study examined adaptations in body composition and physical fitness during a 21-wk strength and/or endurance training period in 40- to 65-yr-old men. We also compared the usefulness of different methods for the analysis of body composition to detect training-induced adaptations. METHODS: Fifty-three men were randomized into the endurance training (E: N = 14), strength training (S: N = 13), combined strength and endurance training (SE: N = 15), or control (C: N = 11) groups. S and E trained 2 and SE 2 x 2 times a week for strength and endurance. RESULTS: Percentage of fat (fat%) decreased (5-8%) similarly in all training groups. Fat% measured by DXA at baseline and its change c…

Use of conservative therapy before and after surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome

Abstract Background Conservative therapies are typically offered to individuals who experience mild or intermittent symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) or postoperatively to subjects who have undergone carpal tunnel release. Although long-term studies report mostly positive results for carpal tunnel release, knowledge on the need for conservative treatments following surgery is scarce. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to examine the use of conservative therapies before and after carpal tunnel releasing surgery. Methods Of 528 patients who underwent carpal tunnel release surgery in the study hospital during the study period, 259 provided sufficiently completed questionnair…

Assessment of construct validity of the Finnish versions of the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Instrument and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire

Abstract Study Design Cross-sectional study. Introduction There is a lack of information on the measurement properties of patient-reported upper extremity instruments and their association to health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Purpose of the Study This study aimed to examine and compare the measurement properties and construct validity of the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Instrument and the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) using a heterogeneous sample of patients with hand and wrist problems. Methods Two hundred fifty consecutive patients visiting a general orthopedic outpatient clinic due to various hand/wrist problems were invited to participate in the study. A tota…

Selective muscle hypertrophy, changes in EMG and force, and serum hormones during strength training in older women.

Effects of strength training (ST) for 21 wk were examined in 10 older women (64 ± 3 yr). Electromyogram, maximal isometric force, one-repetition maximum strength, and rate of force development of the leg extensors, muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) of the quadriceps femoris (QF) and of vastus lateralis (VL), medialis (VM), intermedius (VI) and rectus femoris (RF) throughout the lengths of 3/12–12/15 (Lf) of the femur, muscle fiber proportion and areas of types I, IIa, and IIb of the VL were evaluated. Serum hormone concentrations of testosterone, growth hormone (GH), cortisol, and IGF-I were analyzed for the resting, preexercise, and postexercise conditions. After the 21-wk ST, maximal for…

Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in the treatment of pain and other symptoms in fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled study

Low-energy pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy has been suggested as a promising therapy to increase microcirculation, which is of great concern in patients with fibromyalgia. This study evaluated the effectiveness of PEMF therapy on the treatment of fibromyalgia. A group of 108 women with fibromyalgia were allocated to a 12-week treatment period with an active Bio-Electro-Magnetic-Energy-Regulation (BEMER) device and a similar treatment period with an inactive device. Each patient received active and sham treatments in a random order. Pain and stiffness were assessed on a visual analog scale (VAS, scale 0-100 mm), and functional status was assessed by the Fibromyalgia Impact Questi…

Assessment of Construct Validity of the Oswestry Disability Index and the Scoliosis Research Society–30 Questionnaire (SRS-30) in Patients With Degenerative Spinal Disease

Observational cohort study.To measure and compare the structural validity of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Scoliosis Research Society-30 (SRS-30) questionnaire in an adult population with prolonged degenerative thoracolumbar disease.The ODI and the SRS-30 are commonly used patient-reported outcome instruments to assess back-specific disability and symptoms related to scoliosis. Still, these instruments have not been validated for degenerative spinal disease with different stages of deformity.Altogether, 637 consecutive adult patients with degenerative spinal pathologies were included. The patients completed the ODI (version 2.0), the 23 preoperative items of the SRS-30, a gene…

Association of physical fitness with health-related quality of life in Finnish young men

Abstract Background Currently, there is insufficient evidence available regarding the relationship between level of physical fitness and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in younger adults. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of measured cardiovascular and musculoskeletal physical fitness level on HRQoL in Finnish young men. Methods In a cross-sectional study, we collected data regarding the physical fitness index, including aerobic endurance and muscle fitness, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), body composition, health, and HRQoL (RAND 36) for 727 men [mean (SD) age 25 (5) years]. Associations between HRQoL and the explanatory parameters were ana…

Effect of Obesity and Being Overweight on Disability and Pain After Lumbar Fusion: An Analysis of 805 Patients.

STUDY DESIGN Prospective follow-up study. OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of obesity and being overweight on disability and pain of patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Although spinal fusion surgery has been shown to relieve symptoms in several spinal disorders, the influence of obesity on the results remains controversial. METHODS Since January 1, 2008, all patients undergoing lumbar fusion in two hospitals have been invited to participate in a prospective follow-up database. At the end of 2014, the preoperative and 1-year follow-up data of 805 patients were available. Disability was evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index and back and leg pain…

Relationship between functional vision and balance and mobility performance in community-dwelling older adults

Background and Aims: Vision is an important prerequisite for balance control and mobility. The role of objectively measured visual functions has been previously studied but less is known about associations of functional vision. That refers to selfperceived vision-based ability to perform daily activities. The aim was to investigate the relationship between functional vision and balance and mobility performance in a community-based sample of older adults. Methods: This study is part of a Geriatric Multidisciplinary Strategy for the Good Care of the Elderly project (GeMS). Participants (576) aged 76 to 100 years (mean age 81 years, 70% women) were interviewed using a seven-item functional vis…

The effect of thoracic spine manipulation on thoracic spine pain and mobility – Preliminary results of RCT

Liikkumisen kannustimet muistisairauksien riskiryhmään kuuluvilla ikääntyneillä

Liikunnallisesti aktiivinen elämäntapa ylläpitää tehokkaasti ikääntyneiden terveyttä ja toimintakykyä. Liikunnan harrastamiseen vaikuttavat kuitenkin monet yksilölliset tekijät, jotka tulisi huomioida kannustettaessa ikääntyneitä henkilöitä liikkumaan. Tämän tutkimuksen tarkoituksena oli selvittää, minkälaiset liikkumisen kannustimet ovat yhteydessä aktiiviseen liikunnan harrastamiseen ikääntyneillä ihmisillä, joilla riski muistisairauteen sairastumiseen on kohonnut. Tämä poikkileikkaustutkimus on osa laajempaa FINGER-tutkimusta (Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability), johon osallistui 1 260 keski-iältään 69-vuotiasta henkilöä. Tutkittavien fyys…

Bone mineral density of the proximal femur after hip resurfacing arthroplasty: 1-year follow-up study

Abstract Background Hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) is considered a bone-preserving procedure and may eliminate proximal femoral stress shielding and osteolysis. However, in addition to implant-related stress-shielding factors, various patient-related factors may also have an effect on bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal femur in patients with HRA. Thus, we studied the effects of stem-neck angle, demographic variables, and physical functioning on the BMD of the proximal femur in a one-year follow-up. Methods Thirty three patients (9 females and 24 males) with a mean (SD) age of 55 (9) years were included in the study. BMD was measured two days and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperative…

Randomized controlled trial of postoperative exercise rehabilitation program after lumbar spine fusion: study protocol

Abstract Background Lumbar spine fusion (LSF) effectively decreases pain and disability in specific spinal disorders; however, the disability rate following surgery remains high. This, combined with the fact that in Western countries the number of LSF surgeries is increasing rapidly it is important to develop rehabilitation interventions that improve outcomes. Methods/design In the present RCT-study we aim to assess the effectiveness of a combined back-specific and aerobic exercise intervention for patients after LSF surgery. One hundred patients will be randomly allocated to a 12-month exercise intervention arm or a usual care arm. The exercise intervention will start three months after su…

Association of physical fitness with health-related quality of life in Finnish young men

Abstract Background Currently, there is insufficient evidence available regarding the relationship between level of physical fitness and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in younger adults. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of measured cardiovascular and musculoskeletal physical fitness level on HRQoL in Finnish young men. Methods In a cross-sectional study, we collected data regarding the physical fitness index, including aerobic endurance and muscle fitness, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), body composition, health, and HRQoL (RAND 36) for 727 men [mean (SD) age 25 (5) years]. Associations between HRQoL and the explanatory parameters were ana…