Manual therapy
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The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of a physical therapist to place surface markers on the skin over spinous process of C2, C4, C6, and C7 by evaluating the markers positioning using radiographs. A total of 39 healthy female subjects participated. From 39 subjects, 22 had 2 radiographs taken and 17 had 1 radiograph taken. ⋯ From the total of 39 subjects, the total percentage of agreement was 87.8%. Of the 12.2% error 1.3% (2) occurred attempting to find C2; 2.6% (4) for C4; 3.2% (5) for C6; and 5.2% (8) for C7. Based on the results from this study, clinicians and researchers should take into account possible errors on surface markers placement on the cervical spine when measuring craniocervical posture using photographs.
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Understanding motor imagery of the hands and feet has led to promising new treatments for neurological and chronic pain disorders. We aimed to extend this line of research to the neck with a view to developing the definitive platform study upon which clinical and experimental studies can be based. In a cross-sectional experiment with a convenience sample, volunteers were shown 40 photographs of a model with their head turned to the left or right. ⋯ The magnitude of image rotation affected both response time and accuracy (p < 0.001). In general, the performance parameters established for left/right limb judgments also apply for left/right neck rotation judgments. The current work establishes the definitive normative values against which clinical and experimental groups can be compared and reveals unpredicted effects of the direction neck rotation and the orientation of the image.
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Respiratory muscle strength is one parameter that is currently proposed to be affected in patients with chronic neck pain. This study was aimed at examining whether patients with chronic neck pain have reduced respiratory strength and with which neck pain problems their respiratory strength is associated. In this controlled cross-sectional study, 45 patients with chronic neck pain and 45 healthy well-matched controls were recruited. ⋯ It can be concluded that patients with chronic neck pain present weakness of their respiratory muscles. This weakness seems to be a result of the impaired global and local muscle system of neck pain patients, and psychological states also appear to have an additional contribution. Clinicians are advised to consider the respiratory system of patients with chronic neck pain during their usual assessment and appropriately address their treatment.
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It is well established that the biomedical model falls short in explaining chronic musculoskeletal pain. Although many musculoskeletal therapists have moved on in their thinking and apply a broad biopsychosocial view with regard to chronic pain disorders, the majority of clinicians have received a biomedical-focused training/education. Such a biomedical training is likely to influence the therapists' attitudes and core beliefs toward chronic musculoskeletal pain. ⋯ The starting point entails self-reflection: musculoskeletal therapists can easily self-assess their attitudes and beliefs regarding chronic musculoskeletal pain. Once the therapist holds evidence-based attitudes and beliefs regarding chronic musculoskeletal pain, assessing patients' attitudes and beliefs will be the natural next step. Such information can be integrated in the clinical reasoning process, which in turn results in individually-tailored treatment programs that specifically address the patients' attitudes and beliefs in order to improve treatment adherence and outcome.
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Review Meta Analysis
Measures of central hyperexcitability in chronic whiplash associated disorder--a systematic review and meta-analysis.
To synthesise the evidence for central hyperexcitability in Chronic WAD (whiplash associated disorders) with meta-analysis, and review test protocols. ⋯ There is compelling evidence for central hyperexcitability in chronic WAD. This should be considered in the management of chronic WAD.