Rheumatology international
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effectiveness of microwave diathermy on pain, functional capacity, muscle strength, quality of life, and depression in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical study.
The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic MD on pain, functional capacity, muscle strength, quality of life, and depression in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). A total of 40 inpatient subjects with definite SIS were included in this study. These patients were sequentially randomized into 2 groups. ⋯ The patients with SIS in each group had significant improvements in pain, shoulder ROM, disability, shoulder muscles and grip strength, quality of life, and depression AT and F when compared with their initial status (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups according to all the parameters regarding the change scores between AT-BT test and F-BT test (P > 0.05). A 2,450-MHz MD regimen showed no beneficial effects in patients with SIS, so the superficial heat and exercise program, as it is efficient, may be preferable for the treatment of SIS, alone.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Assessment of the utility of visual feedback in the treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis patients: a pilot study.
Earlier studies revealed that visual feedback has contributed in the management of neuromuscular as well as psychiatric disorders; however, it has not yet been applied in rheumatology. Visual feedback is a relatively new tool that enables the patient to visualize as well as monitor a real-time change of their disease activity parameters as well as the patient's reported outcome measures. Integrating electronic data recording in the standard rheumatology clinical practice made visual feedback possible. ⋯ By recording and monitoring disease activity parameters electronically and incorporating the visual feedback approach into clinical practice, a new experience can be created. Visual feedback enabled the patients to see how they are doing regarding their disease activity and helps to optimize their adherence to their treatment. Visual feedback had a positive and significant impact on the disease activity control.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The effect of spa therapy in chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled, single-blind, follow-up study.
Effect of thermal water with high mineral content on clinical parameters and quality of life of patients with chronic low back pain was studied. In this randomized controlled, single-blind, follow-up study, 60 patients with chronic low back pain were randomized into two groups. The treatment group received balneotherapy with thermal-mineral water, and the control group bathed in tap water. ⋯ In the treatment group, the mobility of the lumbar spine, the Oswestry index, the VAS scores and the EuroQoL-5D index improved significantly. SF-36 items improved significantly in the treated group compared with baseline except for two parameters. Our study demonstrated the beneficial effect of balneotherapy with thermal mineral versus tap water on clinical parameters, along with improvements in quality of life.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Determining the effectiveness of various treatment modalities in carpal tunnel syndrome by ultrasonography and comparing ultrasonographic findings with other outcomes.
Firstly, we aimed to determine the effectiveness of various treatment modalities using ultrasonography (US), and secondly, we aimed to assess the correlations between the ultrasonographic findings and electrophysiological tests, symptom severity, functional status and physical findings. 74 hands of 47 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) were randomly treated by applying wrist splinting alone in the neutral position (23 hands), phonophoresis with corticosteroid (PCS) (28 hands) and phonophoresis with non-steroid anti-inflamatory drug (PNSAI) (23 hands). The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve (MN) was determined by ultrasound on the initial and at the 3 months after treatment. MN conduction studies were performed on the initial visit and 3 months after treatment. The patients completed the Boston symptom severity questionnaire. For clinical evaluation, we used Phalen's and Tinel's signs. We could find reduction in CSA of MN in PCS group (P < 0.001). The CSA of MN was inversely correlated with motor sensory and median nerve conduction velocity (NCV) (r = 0.421, r = 0.213, respectively). Statistically significant correlations were not detected between ultrasonographic parameters and clinical evaluation parameters (P > 0.05) and also between ultrasonographic parameters and BQ scores (P > 0.05). Although there was some improvement in clinical parameters, ultrasonographic parameters did not change in P-NSAI group. ⋯ The most effective treatment modality was P-CS according to ultrasonographic and other findings. Although there were inverse correlations between the CSA of MN and sensory and motor MN conduction velocity, no relationship was found between symptom severity, functional status and US findings or electrophysiological studies.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Balneotherapy for chronic low back pain: a randomized, controlled study.
A large number of treatments were used for patients with chronic low back pain. Frequent episodes have been reported very high. Although balneotherapy was found effective in this disease, there are not well-designed studies. ⋯ Both groups achieved significant improvements within themselves. But balneotherapy groups were improved at back extensor muscle test (P < 0.05), modified Schoeber's test (P < 0.03), Oswestry disability index, and the some scores of SF 36 (energy vitality, social function, role limitations related to physical problems, and general health P < 0.05). Balneotherapy combined with exercise therapy had advantages than therapy with physical modalities plus exercise in improving quality of life and flexibility of patients with chronic low back pain.