Manual therapy
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Previous studies have shown that postural orientations of the neck, such as flexed or forward head postures, are associated with heightened activity of the dorsal neck muscles. While these studies describe the impact of variations in neck posture alone, there is scant literature regarding the effect of neck posture on muscle activity when combined with upper limb activities such as lifting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of three different neck postures on the activity of the different layers of the dorsal neck muscles during a lifting task. ⋯ Significant condition by time interactions associated with the lift was observed for four out of the five dorsal muscles (p<0.02). These findings demonstrate that posture of the cervical spine influenced the level of muscle deformation not only at rest, but also when lifting. The findings of the study suggest that neck posture should be considered during the evaluation or design of lifting activities as it may contribute to excessive demands on dorsal neck muscles with potential detrimental consequences.
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Comparative Study
Validity and reliability of a German version of the Neck Disability Index (NDI-G).
The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a widely used questionnaire in the assessment of disability of neck patients. The aim of this study was to translate the NDI according to established guidelines into German (NDI-G) and to test the psychometric properties. Patients with acute (ACU) and chronic neck pain (CHR) and a healthy control group (HCG) completed the NDI-G twice with a mean test-retest interval of 3 days. ⋯ The NDI-G emerged from this study as a valid and reliable assessment. Its psychometric properties are comparable with the original version. Thus, the NDI-G is recommended for research and clinical settings in neck pain in German speaking countries.
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Review Case Reports
Scapular kinematics and muscle performance in a single case of Parsonage-Turner.
This study characterized the impairments of range of motion, three-dimensional scapulo-thoracic kinematics, isokinetic muscle performance and disability in a patient with Parsonage-Turner Syndrome. The patient had a history of 2.5-years of shoulder pain, and electroneurodiagnostic testing indicative of suprascapular neuropathy. ⋯ Alterations in scapular kinematics were decreased posterior tilt, increased internal rotation, and increased upward rotation during arm elevation and lowering. This information can be used to assist clinicians in developing treatment programs to address the alterations caused by this neuralgic amyotrophy.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Patient characteristics in low back pain subgroups based on an existing classification system. A descriptive cohort study in chiropractic practice.
Sub-grouping of low back pain (LBP) is believed to improve prediction of prognosis and treatment effects. The objectives of this study were: (1) to examine whether chiropractic patients could be sub-grouped according to an existing pathoanatomically-based classification system, (2) to describe patient characteristics within each subgroup, and (3) to determine the proportion of patients in whom clinicians considered the classification to be unchanged after approximately 10 days. A cohort of 923 LBP patients was included during their first consultation. ⋯ In conclusion, LBP patients could be classified according to a standardised protocol, and chiropractors considered most patient classifications to be unchanged within 10 days. Differences in patient characteristics between subgroups were very small, and the clinical relevance of the classification system should be investigated by testing its value as a prognostic factor or a treatment effect modifier. It is recommended that this classification system be combined with psychological and social factors if it is to be useful.
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Minimal data exists on how much sciatic nerve motion occurs during straight leg raise (SLR). The purpose of this study was to report preliminary normative ranges of sciatic nerve excursion using real time ultrasound during a modified SLR. The sciatic nerve was scanned in the posterior thigh in sixteen asymptomatic participants (age range 19-68 years). ⋯ Mean nerve excursion was significantly greater in 60° hip flexion (p = 0.02). There is a large between-subject variation in sciatic nerve excursion during this modified SLR in asymptomatic subjects. Mean nerve excursion was found to be higher with the hip pre-positioned in greater flexion, suggesting that pre-loading may not consistently reduce excursion.