Spine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Minimal clinically important change for pain intensity, functional status, and general health status in patients with nonspecific low back pain.
Cohort study. ⋯ Reporting the percentage of patients who have made a MCIC adds to the interpretability of study results. We present a range of MCIC values and advocate the choice of a single MCIC value according to the specific context.
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Comparative Study
Effects of pelvic asymmetry and low back pain on trunk kinematics during sitting: a comparison with standing.
A prospective study was conducted on a group of patients with unilateral nonspecific low back pain (LBP) and healthy controls. ⋯ This study shows a link between pelvic asymmetry and altered trunk motion in sitting position. We suggest that people with LBP may have a distinct compensatory mechanism, secondary to pelvic asymmetry, which puts the lumbar spine under higher stress. Movement asymmetry, rather than range of motion, may be a better indicator of disturbed function for people with LBP. Structural and functional asymmetries are factors that may be considered in the seating design and work environment.
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Retrospective follow-up study with two cohorts: one treated with reduction and the other with fusion in situ. ⋯ The fusion in situ group seems to perform better in almost all clinical parameters measured. These findings suggest that fusion in situ should be considered as a method of choice in severe L5 isthmic spondylolisthesis.
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Comparative Study
The reliability and construct validity of the Neck Disability Index and patient specific functional scale in patients with cervical radiculopathy.
Cohort study of patients with cervical radiculopathy undergoing physical therapy. ⋯ Our results suggest that the PSFS exhibits superior reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness in this cohort of patients with cervical radiculopathy compared with the NDI. Further research is needed to examine the ability of these measures to accurately reflect changes in individuals, as well as large samples of patients.
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Whole bovine coccygeal discs were cultured under static load, with or without vertebral endplates (VEPs), and assessed for cell viability, biochemical stability, biosynthetic activity, and biosynthetic responsiveness to changes in mechanical load. ⋯ It is possible to maintain cell viability and the biosynthetic responsiveness of large discs for up to 1 week in vitro when the discs are cultured under static load and without VEP.