Associations between treatment processes, patient characteristics, and outcomes in outpatient physical therapy practice

Scapular kinematics and muscle activity during Yi Jin Bang exercises

Introduction: Scapular dyskinesis is commonly associated with subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS). Addressing scapular dyskinesis is widely accepted as an important component of shoulder rehabilitation. Our previous randomized controlled trial showed that Yi Jin Bang (YJB) exercises could effectively manage SAPS, but scapular motions and muscle activity during YJB exercises remain unknown. This study examined scapular kinematics synchronously with scapular muscle activation during YJB exercises. Methods: Thirty healthy participants with no shoulder complaints were enrolled in this study. Three-dimensional (3D) scapular kinematics and electromyography (EMG) activation of the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius, serratus anterior, anterior deltoid, middle deltoid, and posterior deltoid were synchronously measured during nine YJB movements. Results: During all YJB movements, the scapula was upwardly rotated and anteriorly tilted, with more upward rotation and a similar or less anterior tilt than the mean resting scapular angle. Column rotation, arm crossover, shoulder support circle, and armpit support high lift generated more internal rotation than the mean resting scapular angle, with the angles of internal rotation significantly greater than the other five movements (p < 0.001). Regarding EMG activity, all YJB movements elicited low activity (1.42%-19.19% maximal voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]) from the upper trapezius and posterior deltoid and low to moderate activity (0.52%-29.50% MVIC) from the middle trapezius, lower trapezius, serratus anterior, anterior deltoid, and middle deltoid. Conclusion: YJB exercises could be useful in the middle to later phases of shoulder rehabilitation. For patients with insufficient external rotation, some YJB movements should be prescribed with caution.

Can Physical Therapy Deliver Clinically Meaningful Improvements in Pain and Function through a Mobile App?: An Observational Retrospective Study

Objective

To examine the effect of digital physical therapy (PT) delivered by mobile application (app) on reducing pain and improving function for people with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.

Design

An observational, longitudinal, retrospective study using survey data collected pre- and postdigital PT to estimate multilevel models with random intercepts for patient episodes.

Setting

Privately insured employees participating in app-based PT as an employer health care benefit.

Participants

The study sample included 814 participants (N=814) 18 years or older who completed their digital PT program with reported final clinical outcomes between February 2019 (program launch) through December 2020. Mean age of the sample at baseline was 40.9±11.89 years, 47.5% were female, 21% sought care for lower back pain, 16% for shoulders, 15% for knees, and 13% for neck.

Interventions

Digital PT consisted of a synchronous video evaluation with a physical therapist followed by a course of PT delivered through a mobile app.

Main Outcome Measures

Pain was measured by the visual analog scale from 0 “no pain” to 10 “worst pain imaginable” and physical function by the Patient-Specific Functional Scale on a scale from 0 “completely unable to perform” to 10 “able to perform normally.”

Results

After controlling for significant demographics, comorbid conditions, adverse symptoms, chronicity, and severity, the results from multilevel random intercept models showed decreased pain (−2.69 points; 95% CI, −2.86 to −2.53; P<.001) and increased physical function (+2.67 points; 95% CI, 2.45-2.89; P<.001) after treatment.

Conclusions

Digital PT was associated with clinically meaningful improvements in pain and function among a diverse set of participants. These early data are an encouraging indicator of the clinical benefit of digital PT.

Reliability, validity and discriminability of patient reported outcomes for non-specific low back pain in a nationwide physical therapy registry: A retrospective observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

A national clinical registry was established in the Netherlands containing data directly sampled from electronic health record systems of physical therapists (PTs). This registry aims to evaluate the potential of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) to develop quality indicators (QIs) in physical therapy care.

PURPOSE

To test to what extent the collected PROM data are reliable, valid and discriminatory between practices in measuring outcomes of patients with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP).

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study 865 PT practices with 6,560 PTs voluntarily collected PROM data of patients with NSLBP, using the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS), the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Patient Specific Functioning Scale (PSFS). Reliability was determined by analysing the completeness of the dataset, the comparability by using national reference data, and through checking selection bias in the included patients. Validity was tested using the known-groups contrast between patients with (sub)acute vs. chronic NSLBP. To determine discriminative ability of outcomes between PT practices, case-mix corrected hierarchical multilevel analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Reliability was sufficient by confirming fifteen of the sixteen hypotheses: 59% of all patients opted in for data analysis, 42% of these included patients showed repeated measurement, comparing with reference data and potential selection bias showed < 5% between group differences, while differences between (sub)acute and chronic NSLB-groups were significantly larger than 5% (less treatment sessions, lager differences in outcomes in (sub)acute NSLB patients). In addition, all nine adjusted hierarchical multilevel models confirm that the collected dataset on outcomes in PT care is able to discriminate between practices using PROM results of patients with NSLBP (ICC-scores range 0.11-0.21).

LIMITATIONS

Although we have shown the reliability, validity and discriminative ability of the dataset in the quest to develop QIs, we are aware that reducing missing values in patient records and the selective participation of PTs that belong to the innovators needs attention in the next stages of implementation to avoid bias in the results.

CONCLUSION

PROMs of patients with NSLBP collected in the national clinical registry of KNGF are reliable, valid and able to discriminate between primary care PT practices.

Lymphoedema, a significant health problem in Israel: A descriptive community-based study

Lymphoedema (LE) is recognised as a chronic disabling disease. Knowledge on patient characteristics, treatments, and outcomes in Israel is lacking. The aim of the study was to (a) describe demographic and health characteristics, treatments, utilisation, and functional outcomes of patients receiving physical therapy due to LE in a large nationwide healthcare provider in Israel; and (b) assess the feasibility of conducting a future practice-based evidence (PBE) study. This is a retrospective observational cohort study. Descriptive analyses of an electronic medical record database were performed. Data from 6013 patient episodes were analysed. A high proportion of patients had two or more comorbidities (80%) and chronic medication use (85%) with increasing rates over the 8-year period. The most frequent LE classification was stage 2 (45%). A majority of LE was in the lower limbs (51%) with increasing rates over the years. The most frequent treatment-related activity was measuring limb circumference and the most frequent intervention was educating for self-management. This study provides a first comprehensive description of patient characteristics receiving physical therapy for LE in Israel. The available database offers an opportunity for PBE studies. Recommendations for improvements in specific data collection processes were identified.

Importance of Early Improvement in the Treatment of Low Back Pain With Physical Therapy

STUDY DESIGN

.: A retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE

Assess the time course of functional outcome improvements during a physical therapy (PT) episode of care for patients with low back pain. In addition, assess the impact of patient variables, such as symptom duration, on the time course of functional outcome improvements.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Early improvement in patient-reported symptoms and functional limitations may play an important role in the eventual success of an intervention. Early improvements in pain are associated with greater improvement in disability and depression in patients with low back pain.

METHODS

A total 11,945 patients were included. Intake functional status (FS), FS change at discharge, predicted FS change at discharge, FS change at first progress report (FS1), duration of symptoms before treatment, and duration of PT episode of care were assessed. Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess correlation between collected variables and FS change.

RESULTS

The mean FS change was 16.995 units, mean FS1 was 12.024 units, total duration was 63.591 days, and duration at FS1 was 28.969 days, indicating 70.72% of FS change occurred in the first 45.45% of the episode of care. Similar results occurred in all symptom duration categories, ranging from "0 to 7 days' to "greater than 6 months' duration. Correlation analysis demonstrated that FS1 had the greatest correlation to FS. A strong correlation (r > 0.7) was demonstrated in all symptom duration categories ranging from 0.741 to 0.805.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study yield further support for the importance of rapid functional improvements during a PT episode of care. In addition, patients demonstrated roughly two-thirds of their improvement in the first 40% of visits regardless of their symptom duration. This study may help clinicians identify a need to modify a plan of care if insufficient early improvement is observed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Effect of Low Back Pain Chronicity on Patient Outcomes Treated in Outpatient Physical Therapy: A Retrospective Observational Study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the potential relationship between physical therapy (PT) treatment outcomes and chronicity of low back pain (LBP) in the outpatient setting.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING

Outpatient PT clinics across 11 states.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 11,941 patients with LBP provided with PT services and discharged from care between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2018.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Focus on Therapeutic Outcome Low Back Functional Status (FS) Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) was the primary outcomes measure used. It assesses the patients' perceived physical abilities for patients experiencing LBP impairments. It determined a functional score on a linear metric ranging from 0 (low functioning) to 100 (high functioning). The difference in score between the intake FS and final FS score produced the FS change, which represented the overall improvement of the episode of care.

RESULTS

The mean FS change was 16.997 (n=11,945). Patients with chronic symptoms (>90-d duration) had an FS change of 15.920 (n=7264) across 14.63 visits. Patients with subacute symptoms (15-90d) had an FS change of 21.66 (n=3631) across 14.05. Patients with acute symptoms (0-14d) had an FS change of 29.32 (n=1050) across 13.66 visits. Stepwise regression analysis revealed a significant â for chronicity (-4.155) with all models.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, this study shows patients experiencing shorter duration of LBP symptoms before starting a PT episode of care experience significantly better outcomes than patients who waited. Furthermore, the number of treatment session and duration of care was similar between groups, indicating potential ineffective or insufficient care was provided for patients with chronic pain.

Clinical Interpretation of the Neck Functional Status Computerized Adaptive Test

BACKGROUND

Clinical interpretation of patient-reported outcome measures is an essential step in patient-centered care. Interpretation of scores derived from the Neck Functional Status Computerized Adaptive Test (NFS-CAT) has not been studied.

OBJECTIVES

To (1) assess the reliability of point estimates and improvement scores, (2) determine thresholds of minimal clinically important improvement (MCII), and (3) develop a functional staging model to facilitate clinical interpretation of NFS-CAT scores.

METHODS

A secondary retrospective cohort analysis was performed using data from patients aged 14 to 89 years who started an episode of care for neck impairments during 2016-2017 and completed the NFS-CAT at admission. The reliability of point estimates and of improvement scores was derived from the NFS-CAT standard error of measurement. The MCII was estimated by combining distribution- and anchor-based approaches. A functional staging model was developed to describe clinical meaningfulness of the quantitative scores provided by the NFS-CAT.

RESULTS

Of 250 741 patients who completed the NFS-CAT at admission (mean ± SD age, 54 ± 16 years; 65% female), 169±039 (67%) also completed the NFS-CAT at discharge. The standard error of measurement was stable across the measurement continuum, ranging from 3.7 to 3.9 NFS-CAT points. Minimal detectable improvement was 6.8 points at the 90% confidence level. The estimate of the MCII was 8.1 points, with more change points needed to achieve the MCII for patients with lower baseline scores. Large rates of functional staging change during treatment were observed, demonstrating responsiveness of the functional staging model.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated how the NFS-CAT can be interpreted to better assist clinicians and patients with neck impairments during outpatient rehabilitation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapy, level 2b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019;49(12):875-886. Epub 10 Jul 2019. doi:10.2519/jospt.2019.8862.

Associations between interim patient-reported outcome measures and functional status at discharge from rehabilitation for non-specific lumbar impairments

PURPOSE

Identify impact of frequency and timing of interim Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) assessments during episodes of care for rehabilitation services in outpatient clinical settings on functional status (FS) outcomes at discharge for patients with low back pain.

METHODS

FS outcomes of patients who had no interim PROMs were compared to outcomes of six patient groups defined by interim timing (early, mid, late) and frequency (1, 2 or more). For each comparison, patients were matched using propensity score matching for variables known to be associated with FS outcomes and for episode duration (days) and number of visits. FS was assessed using the lumbar computerized adaptive test (LCAT) where scores range from 0 to 100 with higher scores representing better physical function.

RESULTS

A sample of 140,336 patients was considered for matching (mean age = 58 [SD = 17] range 18-89; 60% females) with 83,101 patients (59%) having no interim PROMs. Patients who had only one interim PROM, administered during early (first 2 weeks), mid (weeks 3-4), or late (week 5 or later) timing, had 4.6, 2.7, and 1.0 additional FS score points at discharge compared to those without an interim PROM, respectively (p < 0.001). Having two or more interim PROMs was associated with an additional 1.2 FS points compared to having only one interim assessment, but only if the first interim was administered early.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimal utilization of interim PROM assessment during clinical practice to enhance treatment outcomes was related to administering the first interim PROM within the first 2 weeks after the initial evaluation.

Minimal physical therapy utilization compared with higher physical therapy utilization for patients with low back pain: a systematic review

Aim: Currently there is a large and perhaps unwarranted variation regarding physical therapy utilization for individuals with low back pain (LBP).  The purpose of this systematic review was to compare the effects of minimal physical therapy utilization/education (two visits or less) versus typical physical therapy utilization (three visits or more) on patient-important outcomes for patients with LBP. Methods: Two independent reviewers searched Cochrane, Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PEDro from database inception until March 2017. Eligible studies used a randomized design, included subjects with LBP, and compared minimal versus higher utilization. The GRADE approach was used to provide an overall level of evidence regarding utilization. Eight articles (1153 individual subjects) met the inclusion criteria. Effect sizes for each outcome measure were calculated using Hedge's g and were adjusted for baseline values at each time period. Findings: When compared with minimal utilization, higher utilization demonstrated no significant differences on pain, disability, or quality of life at the 1-year follow-up. However, two of the three studies that analyzed cost-effectiveness found higher utilization to be more cost-effective at 1-year follow-up. Moreover, there was insufficient evidence available to investigate patient subgroups (acuity, risk for chronicity), multiple levels of utilization dosage (low, typical, and high), or intervention type. Conclusions: This review identifies the need for further research on the dosage of physical therapy among various subgroups of patients with LBP. While higher utilization may not result in significant improvements in patient-important outcomes, it may be more cost-effective for patients with chronic or complex LBP conditions when compared to minimal utilization.

Who seeks physiotherapy or exercise treatment for hip and knee osteoarthritis? A cross-sectional analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

OBJECTIVES

To determine the characteristics of individuals with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis who are recommended to seek physiotherapy or exercise treatment, and to explore which people are more or less likely to follow such recommendations.

METHODS

All data were obtained from Wave 4 of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) cohort (2008-2009), a prospectively collected community-based dataset. Eligibility was justified by a patient-reported diagnosis of hip and/or knee osteoarthritis with a visual analog scale (VAS) pain score of 1 or above. Data were collected from a self-completed questionnaire and nurse assessment visit. Prevalence of being recommended to physiotherapy or exercise (or not) and then the actioning of this recommendation (or not) were calculated and presented as 95% confidence intervals (CI). Data on characteristics of those recommended (or not) were explored using univariate analyses and then a forward selection logistic regression model.

RESULTS

In total, 1262 and 1877 individuals with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis pain were analyzed. This included 41% (95% CI: 0.38-0.44) who had been recommended to seek physiotherapy or exercise treatment. Subsequently, 83% of those recommended sought these treatments. Individuals who presented with isolated knee pain, those who reported "fair" self-reported general health and were younger had a greater chance of being recommended for physiotherapy or exercise treatment, respectively (P ≤ 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Encouragement should be given to formal and informal care providers of older people to highlight this inequality. This may then improve current and future access to evidence-based treatments for this population.

Impact of Risk Adjustment on Provider Ranking for Patients With Low Back Pain Receiving Physical Therapy

Background The impact of risk adjustment on clinic quality ranking for patients treated in physical therapy outpatient clinics is unknown. Objectives To compare clinic ranking, based on unadjusted versus risk-adjusted outcomes for patients with low back pain (LBP) who are treated in physical therapy outpatient clinics. Methods This retrospective cohort study involved a secondary analysis of data from adult patients with LBP treated in outpatient physical therapy clinics from 2014 to 2016. Patients with complete outcomes data at admission and discharge were included to develop the risk-adjustment model. Clinics with complete outcomes data for at least 50% of patients and at least 10 complete episodes of care per clinician per year were included for ranking assessment. The R² shrinkage and predictive ratio were used to assess overfitting. Agreement between unadjusted and adjusted rankings was assessed with percentile ranking by deciles or 3 distinct quality ranks based on uncertainty assessment. Results The primary sample included 414 125 patients (mean ± SD age, 57 ± 17 years; 60% women) treated by 12 569 clinicians from 3048 clinics from all US states; 82% of patients from 2107 clinics were included in the ranking assessment. The R² shrinkage was less than 1%, with a predictive ratio of 1. Risk adjustment impacted ranking for 70% or 31% of clinics, based on deciles or 3 distinct quality levels, respectively. Conclusion Important changes in ranking were found after adjusting for basic patient characteristics of those admitted to physical therapy for treatment of LBP. Risk-adjustment profiling is necessary to more accurately reflect quality of care when treating patients with LBP. Level of Evidence Therapy, level 2b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2018;48(8):637-648. Epub 22 May 2018. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.7981.

Implementation of conservative treatment prior to arthroscopic subacromial decompression of the shoulder

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to investigate to what extent patients undergo evidence-based conservative treatment prior to arthroscopic subacromial decompression of the shoulder.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty patients (65 women, 55 men, median age 53.5 years (range 28-70), referred to arthroscopic subacromial decompression at two hospitals in Norway, were consecutively included in the study. The patients completed a self-administered questionnaire including questions concerning the quantity and nature of preoperative treatment as well as the QuickDASH score. They were specifically asked for the extent of evidence-based conservative treatment, i.e. the combination of strengthening and stretching exercises at a minimum weekly amount and total duration.

RESULTS

One hundred and nine patients (91 %) reported having received conservative treatment guided by a physiotherapist preoperatively. The patients' main reasons for not seeing a physiotherapist were lack of trust in the treatment (N = 7) and the assumption that surgery would provide faster relief of symptoms (N = 6). Of those visiting a physiotherapist, 80 % received specific shoulder exercises. Forty-five per cent did both strengthening and stretching exercises, only 32 % did the exercises three times per week more than 2 months, and 24 % did more than 3 months as recommended. Seventy-six per cent of the patients who discontinued the prescribed exercise programme did this due to increasing pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the patients in the current study reported having visited a physiotherapist before surgery. However, less than half of them underwent evidence-based exercise treatment, and increased pain was the main reason for not completing the prescribed exercise treatment. The results might be of clinical relevance for physiotherapists treating patients with SAPS, but also for orthopaedic surgeons doing preoperative evaluations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Case series, IV.

Three single leg standing tests for clinical assessment of chronic plantar heel pain syndrome: static stance, half-squat and heel rise

OBJECTIVE

To assess reliability and validity of three single leg standing clinical tests in patients with plantar heel pain syndrome (PHPS).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional reliability study.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty patients diagnosed with PHPS.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Patients stood on their affected foot in a static stance for up to 30seconds, a half squat for up to 10 repetitions, and a heel rise for up to 10 repetitions. The first sensation of pain (p1) determined the termination of each test, and established a positive test result. The level of p1 was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS); time or repetitions for each test were recorded. Prior to performing the tests, all patients completed the Foot & Ankle Computerized Adaptive Test to measure functional status (FS).

RESULTS

Detection of p1 in each test showed good reliability for inter- and intrarater assessment (Kappa=0.60 to 0.78 and 0.56 to 0.77, respectively). The intraclass correlation coefficient for the VAS measures was 0.85 to 0.95 for inter-rater assessment and 0.78 to 0.92 for intrarater assessment. However, the Bland and Altman limits of agreement were wide, indicating that these measures were less reliable than the correlation coefficients suggested. Thirty-five patients (88%) experienced a positive pain response to at least one test. Significant correlations were found between the VAS measures in each test and FS (r=0.63 to 0.72).

CONCLUSIONS

The static stance, half squat and heel rise tests were easily implemented, and found to be reliable and valid according to one analysis, yet less reliable with another, for pain provocation and VAS levels in patients with PHPS. All three VAS levels correlated well with FS.

Effect of Adding McKenzie Syndrome, Centralization, Directional Preference, and Psychosocial Classification Variables to a Risk-Adjusted Model Predicting Functional Status Outcomes for Patients With Lumbar Impairments

Study Design Retrospective cohort. Background Patient-classification subgroupings may be important prognostic factors explaining outcomes. Objectives To determine effects of adding classification variables (McKenzie syndrome and pain patterns, including centralization and directional preference; Symptom Checklist Back Pain Prediction Model [SCL BPPM]; and the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire subscales of work and physical activity) to a baseline risk-adjusted model predicting functional status (FS) outcomes. Methods Consecutive patients completed a battery of questionnaires that gathered information on 11 risk-adjustment variables. Physical therapists trained in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy methods classified each patient by McKenzie syndromes and pain pattern. Functional status was assessed at discharge by patient-reported outcomes. Only patients with complete data were included. Risk of selection bias was assessed. Prediction of discharge FS was assessed using linear stepwise regression models, allowing 13 variables to enter the model. Significant variables were retained in subsequent models. Model power (R(2)) and beta coefficients for model variables were estimated. Results Two thousand sixty-six patients with lumbar impairments were evaluated. Of those, 994 (48%), 10 (<1%), and 601 (29%) were excluded due to incomplete psychosocial data, McKenzie classification data, and missing FS at discharge, respectively. The final sample for analyses was 723 (35%). Overall R(2) for the baseline prediction FS model was 0.40. Adding classification variables to the baseline model did not result in significant increases in R(2). McKenzie syndrome or pain pattern explained 2.8% and 3.0% of the variance, respectively. When pain pattern and SCL BPPM were added simultaneously, overall model R(2) increased to 0.44. Although none of these increases in R(2) were significant, some classification variables were stronger predictors compared with some other variables included in the baseline model. Conclusion The small added prognostic capabilities identified when combining McKenzie or pain-pattern classifications with the SCL BPPM classification did not significantly improve prediction of FS outcomes in this study. Additional research is warranted to investigate the importance of classification variables compared with those used in the baseline model to maximize predictive power. Level of Evidence Prognosis, level 4. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(9):726-741. Epub 31 Jul 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6266.

Psychological factors are associated with the outcome of physiotherapy for people with shoulder pain: a multicentre longitudinal cohort study

Background/aim

Shoulder pain is a major musculoskeletal problem. We aimed to identify which baseline patient and clinical characteristics are associated with a better outcome, 6 weeks and 6 months after starting a course of physiotherapy for shoulder pain.

Methods

1030 patients aged ≥18 years referred to physiotherapy for the management of musculoskeletal shoulder pain were recruited and provided baseline data. 840 (82%) provided outcome data at 6 weeks and 811 (79%) at 6 months. 71 putative prognostic factors were collected at baseline. Outcomes were the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression was used to analyse prognostic factors associated with outcome.

Results

Parameter estimates (β) are presented for the untransformed SPADI at 6 months, a negative value indicating less pain and disability. 4 factors were associated with better outcomes for both measures and time points: lower baseline disability (β=−0.32, 95% CI −0.23 to −0.40), patient expectation of ‘complete recovery’ compared to ‘slight improvement’ as ‘a result of physiotherapy’ (β=−12.43, 95% CI −8.20 to −16.67), higher pain self-efficacy (β=−0.36, 95% CI −0.50 to −0.22) and lower pain severity at rest (β=−1.89, 95% CI −1.26 to −2.51).

Conclusions

Psychological factors were consistently associated with patient-rated outcome, whereas clinical examination findings associated with a specific structural diagnosis were not. When assessing people with musculoskeletal shoulder pain and considering referral to physiotherapy services, psychosocial and medical information should be considered.

Study registration

Protocol published at http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2474/14/192.

Pain Threshold Tests in Patients With Heel Pain Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Pressure pain threshold (PPT) is a useful tool for evaluating mechanical sensitivity in patients suffering from various musculoskeletal disorders. However, no previous study has investigated PPT in the heel of patients experiencing plantar heel pain syndrome (PHPS). The aim of this study was to compare PPT levels and topographic presentation of sensitivity in the heel of patients with PHPS and in healthy controls.

METHODS

The reliability of PPT testing in patients with PHPS was assessed for intra- and interrater recordings. The PPT levels of 40 feet in each group were then assessed on 5 predetermined sites in the heel using a standardized measurement protocol. Patient functional status (FS) as measured by the Foot & Ankle Computerized Adaptive Test was employed as an external reference.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis of covariance revealed no group differences for PPTs at all sites (P = .406). Age (P = .099) or BMI (P = .510) did not affect PPT values, although there was an effect on gender (P = .006). The analysis revealed significant differences between sites (P < .001) demonstrating a diverse topographic distribution. In the PHPS group, PPT levels at the anterior/medial, posterior/medial and central sites were significantly lower than at the posterior/lateral and anterior/lateral sites (P < .05). For the control group, PPT levels at the anterior/medial site were significantly lower than all other sites (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

No significant differences were found between PPT of the PHPS patients and controls, therefore, PPT cannot be recommended as an assessment tool for these patients. The topographic distribution indicated low PPT levels at the anterior/medial area of the heel in patients with PHPS and controls.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, comparative study.

Using the template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR) as a tool for improving the design and reporting of manual therapy interventions

The detailed reporting of any research intervention is crucial to evaluate its applicability into a routinely practice-based context. However, it has been estimated that, especially in non-pharmacological interventions, the published literature typically includes incomplete intervention details. In the field of manual medicine, where interventions are delivered with a high degree of individualization and variability, poorly reported studies could compromise internal and external validity of the results. Among the various initiatives that have been undertaken to improve the intervention description, the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) has to be highlighted as the most promising. TIDieR offers both to researchers and clinicians a helpful and comprehensive guidance on how manual therapy interventions have to be designed and reported, taking into account the clinical complexity of manual therapy and the need to satisfy research gold standards.

A Scoping Review of Clinical Practice Improvement Methodology Use in Rehabilitation

Context

The Clinical Practice Improvement (CPI) approach is a methodological and quality improvement approach that has emerged and is gaining in popularity. However, there is no systematic description of its use or the determinants of its practice in rehabilitation settings.

Method

We performed a scoping review of the use of CPI methodology in rehabilitation settings.

Results

A total of 103 articles were reviewed. We found evidence of 13 initiatives involving CPI with six different populations. A total of 335 citations of determinants were found, with 68.7% related to CPI itself. Little information was found about what type of external and internal environment, individual characteristics and implementation process might facilitate or hinder the use of CPI.

Conclusion

Given the growing popularity of this methodological approach, CPI initiatives would gain from increasing knowledge of the determinants of its success and incorporating them in future implementation.

Risk Adjustment for Lumbar Dysfunction: Comparison of Linear Mixed Models With and Without Inclusion of Between-Clinic Variation as a Random Effect

BACKGROUND

Valid comparison of patient outcomes of physical therapy care requires risk adjustment for patient characteristics using statistical models. Because patients are clustered within clinics, results of risk adjustment models are likely to be biased by random, unobserved between-clinic differences. Such bias could lead to inaccurate prediction and interpretation of outcomes.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine if including between-clinic variation as a random effect would improve the performance of a risk adjustment model for patient outcomes following physical therapy for low back dysfunction.

DESIGN

This was a secondary analysis of data from a longitudinal cohort of 147,623 patients with lumbar dysfunction receiving physical therapy in 1,470 clinics in 48 states of the United States.

METHODS

Three linear mixed models predicting patients' functional status (FS) at discharge, controlling for FS at intake, age, sex, number of comorbidities, surgical history, and health care payer, were developed. Models were: (1) a fixed-effect model, (2) a random-intercept model that allowed clinics to have different intercepts, and (3) a random-slope model that allowed different intercepts and slopes for each clinic. Goodness of fit, residual error, and coefficient estimates were compared across the models.

RESULTS

The random-effect model fit the data better and explained an additional 11% to 12% of the between-patient differences compared with the fixed-effect model. Effects of payer, acuity, and number of comorbidities were confounded by random clinic effects.

LIMITATIONS

Models may not have included some variables associated with FS at discharge. The clinics studied may not be representative of all US physical therapy clinics.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk adjustment models for functional outcome of patients with lumbar dysfunction that control for between-clinic variation performed better than a model that does not.

The Development and Psychometric Properties of the Patient Self-Report Neck Functional Status Questionnaire (NFSQ)

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of cross-sectional data.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the development of a new self-report Neck Functional Status Questionnaire (NFSQ) and to assess its psychometric properties and practical application. The NFSQ was designed to assess functional status in patients with cervical (spine) disorders who seek outpatient therapy.

BACKGROUND

Many patients seek outpatient therapy due to cervical disorders. Currently, no patient-reported outcome measures exist that capture the ability to perform functional activity in a manner that reflects the experience of this patient population.

METHODS

Four hundred thirty-nine patients who were being treated for cervical disorders responded to a set of survey questions to assess activity-related functional outcomes associated with cervical disorders. Using item response theory, we assessed candidate items for unidimensionality and local independence, item fit, person separation, precision, targeting, and differential item functioning. We also compared discriminant validity of functional status measures estimated by the item response theory model (NFSQ fixed) and measures generated using a simulated computerized adaptive test (NFSQ computerized adaptive test).

RESULTS

Based on expert opinion and subsequent processing and analyses, a final set of 28 items was used to develop the NFSQ. Unidimensionality and local independence were supported. The mean ± SD sample ability level of 57.6 ± 14.3 (scale range, 0-100) matched well with the mean item difficulty of the NFSQ of 51.3 ± 7.4. Differential item functioning was negligible for levels of age group, sex, and symptom acuity. The NFSQ computerized adaptive test measures were as precise as the NFSQ fixed measures.

CONCLUSION

Study results supported the preliminary validity of the 28-item NFSQ for use in assessing patients with different levels of functional status related to their cervical disorders in outpatient rehabilitation settings.

The effect of patient, provider and financing regulations on the intensity of ambulatory physical therapy episodes: a multilevel analysis based on routinely available data

BACKGROUND

Many studies have found considerable variations in the resource intensity of physical therapy episodes. Although they have identified several patient- and provider-related factors, few studies have examined their relative explanatory power. We sought to quantify the contribution of patients and providers to these differences and examine how effective Swiss regulations are (nine-session ceiling per prescription and bonus for first treatments).

METHODS

Our sample consisted of 87,866 first physical therapy episodes performed by 3,365 physiotherapists based on referrals by 6,131 physicians. We modeled the number of visits per episode using a multilevel log linear regression with crossed random effects for physiotherapists and physicians and with fixed effects for cantons. The three-level explanatory variables were patient, physiotherapist and physician characteristics.

RESULTS

The median number of sessions was nine (interquartile range 6-13). Physical therapy use increased with age, women, higher health care costs, lower deductibles, surgery and specific conditions. Use rose with the share of nine-session episodes among physiotherapists or physicians, but fell with the share of new treatments. Geographical area had no influence. Most of the variance was explained at the patient level, but the available factors explained only 4% thereof. Physiotherapists and physicians explained only 6% and 5% respectively of the variance, although the available factors explained most of this variance. Regulations were the most powerful factors.

CONCLUSION

Against the backdrop of abundant physical therapy supply, Swiss financial regulations did not restrict utilization. Given that patient-related factors explained most of the variance, this group should be subject to closer scrutiny. Moreover, further research is needed on the determinants of patient demand.

Physical therapists' level of McKenzie education, functional outcomes, and utilization in patients with low back pain

STUDY DESIGN

Longitudinal, prospective, observational cohort.

OBJECTIVE

To examine associations between McKenzie training, functional status (FS) at discharge, and number of physical therapy visits (utilization) in patients receiving physical therapy for low back pain.

BACKGROUND

The McKenzie method is commonly used in treating patients with low back pain.

METHODS

A McKenzie postgraduate educational program was initiated in a large outpatient physical therapy service. Functional status data were collected at intake and at discharge. Separate hierarchical linear mixed models were used to examine associations between physical therapists' McKenzie training level (none; Parts A, B, C, and D; and credentialed), FS score at discharge, and utilization, controlling for patient risk factors.

RESULTS

The final data set included 20 882 patients (mean ± SD age, 51 ± 16 years; 57% women) who completed FS surveys at both admission and discharge. Patients treated by physical therapists with any McKenzie training had better outcomes (additional 0.7 to 1.3 FS points; P<.05 to <.001) and fewer visits (0.6 to 0.9, P<.001) compared to patients treated by physical therapists with no training. For patients treated by therapists with no versus some McKenzie education, 65% versus 70% achieved at least the minimal clinically important improvement, respectively. There were no significant differences in outcomes or utilization by level of McKenzie training.

CONCLUSION

There was a slightly greater improvement of 0.7 to 1.3 points in FS at discharge in patients receiving physical therapy for low back pain by physical therapists who underwent McKenzie training. This difference was clinically important for an additional 5% of patients who achieved the minimal clinically important improvement when treated by therapists with some McKenzie training. Reduction in physical therapy utilization was 0.6 to 0.9 visits, with the fewest visits utilized by patients of physical therapists at the McKenzie Part D and credentialed levels. Together, these findings suggest improved cost-effectiveness at advanced McKenzie training levels. Ways to improve ongoing education and patient outcomes were proposed.

Evaluating quality indicators for physical therapy in primary care

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate measurement properties of a set of public quality indicators on physical therapy.

DESIGN

An observational study with web-based collected survey data (2009 and 2010).

SETTING

Dutch primary care physical therapy practices.

PARTICIPANTS

In 3743 physical therapy practices, 11 274 physical therapists reporting on 30 patients each.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Eight quality indicators were constructed: screening and diagnostics (n= 2), setting target aim and subsequent of intervention (n = 2), administrating results (n = 1), global outcome measures (n = 2) and patient's treatment agreement (n = 1). Measurement properties on content and construct validity, reproducibility, floor and ceiling effects and interpretability of the indicators were assessed using comparative statistics and multilevel modeling.

RESULTS

Content validity was acceptable. Construct validity (using known group techniques) of two outcome indicators was acceptable; hypotheses on age, gender and chronic vs. acute care were confirmed. For the whole set of indicators reproducibility was approximated by correlation of 2009 and 2010 data and rated moderately positive (Spearman's ρ between 0.3 and 0.42 at practice level) and interpretability as acceptable, as distinguishing between patient groups was possible. Ceiling effects were assessed negative as they were high to extremely high (30% for outcome indicator 6-95% for administrating results).

CONCLUSION

Weaknesses in data collection should be dealt with to reduce bias and to reduce ceiling effects by randomly extracting data from electronic medical records. More specificity of the indicators seems to be needed, and can be reached by focusing on most prevalent conditions, thus increasing usability of the indicators to improve quality of care.

McKenzie lumbar classification: inter-rater agreement by physical therapists with different levels of formal McKenzie postgraduate training

STUDY DESIGN

Inter-rater chance-corrected agreement study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to examine the association between therapists' level of formal precredential McKenzie postgraduate training and agreement on the following McKenzie classification variables for patients with low back pain: main McKenzie syndromes, presence of lateral shift, derangement reducibility, directional preference, and centralization.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Minimal level of McKenzie postgraduate training needed to achieve acceptable agreement of McKenzie classification system is unknown.

METHODS

Raters (N = 47) completed multiple sets of 2 independent successive examinations at 3 different stages of McKenzie postgraduate training (levels parts A and B, part C, and part D). Agreement was assessed with κ coefficients and associated 95% confidence intervals. A minimum κ threshold of 0.60 was used as a predetermined criterion for level of agreement acceptable for clinical use.

RESULTS

Raters examined 1662 patients (mean age = 51 ± 15; range, 18-91; females, 57%). Data distributions were not even and were highly skewed for all classification variables. No training level studied had acceptable agreement for any McKenzie classification variable. Agreements for all levels of McKenzie postgraduate training were higher than expected by chance for most of the classification variables except parts A and B training level for judging lateral shift and centralization and part D training level for judging reducibility. Agreement between training levels parts A and B, part C, and part D were similar with overlapping 95% confidence intervals.

CONCLUSION

Results indicate that level of inter-rater chance-corrected agreement of McKenzie classification system was not acceptable for therapists at any level of formal McKenzie postgraduate training. This finding raises concerns about the clinical utility of the McKenzie classification system at these training levels. Additional studies are needed to assess agreement levels for therapists who receive additional training or experience at the McKenzie credentialed or diploma levels.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2.

Developing a wellness program for people with multiple sclerosis: description and initial results

Because multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multidimensional chronic disease, effective management of the illness requires a multidimensional approach. We describe a wellness program that was designed to facilitate positive health choices throughout the course of MS and present initial data analyses. We hypothesized that over the course of the program, participants would demonstrate improvement in the domains assessed. The wellness program included educational sessions in physical, mental, social, intellectual, and spiritual domains specifically targeting improved self-efficacy, physical functioning, coping skills, symptom management, and nutrition. An outcomes data collection software program was adapted to facilitate real-time patient self-report and clinician entry data collection for many domains throughout the wellness program. Initial assessment of serial measures (intake to discharge) from 65 people with MS showed improvement in several domains, including functional status (P < .05), fatigue (P < .05), fear-avoidance beliefs regarding physical activities (P < .05), depression (P < .05), somatization (P < .05), and pain (P < .05). In addition, using a model of risk for interpersonal distress, patients whose risk of elevated depression and anxiety decreased over the course of the program reported greater gains in functional status (P < .05). The results suggest possible future treatment strategies and indicate strengths and weaknesses of the wellness program, which are being used to improve the program.

A clinical prediction rule to identify patients with low back pain who are likely to experience short-term success following lumbar stabilization exercises: a randomized controlled validation study

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the validity of a previously suggested clinical prediction rule (CPR) for identifying patients most likely to experience short-term success following lumbar stabilization exercise (LSE). Background Although LSE is commonly used by physical therapists in the management of low back pain, it does not seem to be more effective than other interventions. A 4-item CPR for identifying patients most likely to benefit from LSE has been previously suggested but has yet to be validated.

METHODS

One hundred five patients with low back pain underwent a baseline examination to determine their status on the CPR (positive or negative). Patients were stratified by CPR status and then randomized to receive an LSE program or an intervention consisting of manual therapy (MT) and range-of-motion/flexibility exercises. Both interventions included 11 treatment sessions delivered over 8 weeks. Low back pain-related disability was measured by the modified version of the Oswestry Disability Index at baseline and upon completion of treatment.

RESULTS

The statistical significance for the 2-way interaction between treatment group and CPR status for the level of disability at the end of the intervention was P = .17. However, among patients receiving LSE, those with a positive CPR status experienced less disability by the end of treatment compared with those with a negative CPR status (P = .02). Also, among patients with a positive CPR status, those receiving LSE experienced less disability by the end of treatment compared with those receiving MT (P = .03). In addition, there were main effects for treatment and CPR status. Patients receiving LSE experienced less disability by the end of treatment compared to patients receiving MT (P = .05), and patients with a positive CPR status experienced less disability by the end of treatment compared to patients with a negative CPR status, regardless of the treatment received (P = .04). When a modified version of the CPR (mCPR) containing only the presence of aberrant movement and a positive prone instability test was used, a significant interaction with treatment was found for final disability (P = .02). Of the patients who received LSE, those with a positive mCPR status experienced less disability by the end of treatment compared to those with a negative mCPR status (P = .02), and among patients with a positive mCPR status, those who received LSE experienced less disability by the end of treatment compared to those who received MT (P = .005).

CONCLUSION

The previously suggested CPR for identifying patients likely to benefit from LSE could not be validated in this study. However, due to its relatively low level of power, this study could not invalidate the CPR, either. A modified version of the CPR that contains only 2 items may possess a better predictive validity to identify those most likely to succeed with an LSE program. Because this modified version was established through post hoc testing, an additional study is recommended to prospectively test its predictive validity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognosis, level 1b-.

Deep massage to posterior calf muscles in combination with neural mobilization exercises as a treatment for heel pain: a pilot randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Plantar heel pain syndrome (PHPS) is a common foot disorder; however, there is limited clinical evidence on which to base treatment. Repeated clinical observations indicating heel pain during heel rise and minisquat on the affected leg, involving activation of posterior calf muscles, formed the basis of this study.

OBJECTIVE

To compare deep massage therapy to posterior calf muscles and neural mobilization with a self-stretch exercise program (DMS) to a common treatment protocol of ultrasound therapy to the painful heel area with the same self-stretch exercises (USS).

METHODS

Patients with PHPS were assigned to a program of 8 treatments over a period of 4-6 weeks in a single-blind randomized clinical trial. Functional status (FS) at admission and discharge from therapy as measured by the Foot & Ankle Computerized Adaptive Test was the main outcome measure.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients were included in the trial (mean age 53, standard deviation (SD) 13, range 25-86, 57% women), 36 received DMS treatment and 33 with USS. The overall group-by-time interaction for the mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA) was found statistically significant (p=0.034), with a change of (mean (confidence interval, CI)) 15 (9-21) and 6 (1-11) FS points for the DMS and USS groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Data indicated that both treatment protocols resulted in an overall short-term improvement, however, DMS treatment was significantly more effective in treating PHPS than USS treatment.

Predicting response to physiotherapy treatment for musculoskeletal shoulder pain: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

People suffering from musculoskeletal shoulder pain are frequently referred to physiotherapy. Physiotherapy generally involves a multimodal approach to management that may include; exercise, manual therapy and techniques to reduce pain. At present it is not possible to predict which patients will respond positively to physiotherapy treatment. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify which prognostic factors are associated with the outcome of physiotherapy in the management of musculoskeletal shoulder pain.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was undertaken of Ovid Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and AMED (from inception to January 2013). Prospective studies of participants with shoulder pain receiving physiotherapy which investigated the association between baseline prognostic factors and change in pain and function over time were included. Study selection, data extraction and appraisal of study quality were undertaken by two independent assessors. Quality criteria were selected from previously published guidelines to form a checklist of 24 items. The study protocol was prospectively registered onto the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews.

RESULTS

A total of 5023 titles were retrieved and screened for eligibility, 154 articles were assessed as full text and 16 met the inclusion criteria: 11 cohort studies, 3 randomised controlled trials and 2 controlled trials. Results were presented for the 9 studies meeting 13 or more of the 24 quality criteria. Clinical and statistical heterogeneity resulted in qualitative synthesis rather than meta-analysis. Three studies demonstrated that high functional disability at baseline was associated with poor functional outcome (p ≤ 0.05). Four studies demonstrated a significant association (p ≤ 0.05) between longer duration of shoulder pain and poorer outcome. Three studies, demonstrated a significant association (p ≤ 0.05) between increasing age and poorer function; three studies demonstrated no association (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Associations between prognostic factors and outcome were often inconsistent between studies. This may be due to clinical heterogeneity or type II errors. Only two baseline prognostic factors demonstrated a consistent association with outcome in two or more studies; duration of shoulder pain and baseline function. Prior to developing a predictive model for the outcome of physiotherapy treatment for shoulder pain, a large adequately powered prospective cohort study is required in which a broad range of prognostic factors are incorporated.

The implementation of the ICF among Israeli rehabilitation centers--the case of physical therapy

The extent of the implementation of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), developed by the WHO, in rehabilitation units and in physical therapy (PT) departments is unknown. The study aims to describe the extent to which the ICF has been implemented in PT services within rehabilitation units in Israel. To update data on ICF implementation since its inception. An online semi-structured survey was administered to 25 physiotherapists in charge of PT departments in all rehabilitation units throughout Israel. Rehabilitation units were grouped into three categories: general, geriatric and pediatric. The questionnaire included items regarding the ICF implementation, its strengths, and weaknesses. Twenty two physiotherapists (88%) completed the questionnaire. The majority was familiar with the ICF and nearly two thirds reported partial implementation in their units. Implementation focused mostly on adopting the biopsychosocial concepts and using ICF terms. The ICF was not used either for evaluating patients, or for reporting or encoding patient information. Physiotherapists, directors of most Israeli PT departments in rehabilitation units are familiar with the ICF; however, its clinical implementation is very limited. There is need for further research into the processes of knowledge transfer and implementation of the ICF, in order to better understand the factors that facilitate and those that impede ICF implementation.

Patient age is related to the types of physical therapy interventions provided for chronic low back pain: an observational study

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of a longitudinal cohort of patients treated for chronic low back pain (CLBP).

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether patient age is associated with types of physical therapy interventions received for CLBP.

BACKGROUND

Advancing age is associated with less positive treatment outcomes in patients with CLBP. If patient age influences a therapist's choice of interventions, it may partially explain the difference in treatment outcomes.

METHODS

Data were examined in a sample of 7392 patients (62% women, 38% men; mean ± SD age, 56.7 ± 16.5 years) with CLBP. We used a generalized estimating equation to examine the probability of each subject receiving each of the individual intervention categories in the presence of the other intervention categories.

RESULTS

A significant interaction between intervention category and age existed after controlling for gender, duration of symptoms, comorbidities, payer source, and functional status at initial intake (χ(2) = 130.27, df = 8, P<.0001). The changes in probability of receiving an intervention category averaged 10% as patient age increased. The probability of receiving exercise or task-specific training did not change with advancing age. The probability of receiving postural exercises, pain modalities, joint mobility techniques, ice, or McKenzie exercises decreased with advancing age. The probability of receiving augmented soft tissue mobilization and balance/mobility training increased as age increased.

CONCLUSION

The impact of age on physical therapist treatment choices varies depending on the type of intervention. Other variables in addition to age may have an impact on treatment choice. Further research is needed to determine how therapists incorporate age into their clinical decision making.

Clinician's ability to identify neck and low back interventions: an inter-rater chance-corrected agreement pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To estimate inter-rater agreement of physical therapists trained in MDT approach and participating in practice-based evidence (PBE) research to identify 72 physical therapy interventions in video demonstrations on a single model and clinical vignettes. PBE is a well designed observational study and demonstrating clinician observational consistency is an important step in conducting PBE research design.

METHODS

Two physical therapists volunteered to participate in pilot reliability testing and seven other physical therapists trained in McKenzie Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) methods volunteered for the inter-rater chance-corrected agreement study. All therapists identified interventions presented within 52 videos and 5 written clinical vignettes describing 20 more intervention techniques. Therapists independently identified all interventions. We assessed inter-rater chance-corrected agreement of therapists' ability to identify intervention techniques using Kappa coefficients with associated 95% confidence intervals and indices for bias and prevalence.

RESULTS

Of the 147 kappa coefficients estimated, 7% were ⩽0·6, 10% were >0·6 and ⩽0·8, and 83% were >0·8. Agreement was lowest for identifying cognitive behavioral techniques (median kappa = 0·79). The minimum and maximum prevalence and bias indices were 0·33 and 0·85 and 0 and 0·33, respectively suggesting kappa coefficient estimates were strong. Generalized kappa coefficients ranged from 0·73 to 1·00.

DISCUSSION

Results provide evidence that substantial to almost perfect inter-rater agreement could be expected when trained therapists identify physical therapy interventions used for patients with spinal impairments from staged videos and vignettes. This may be helpful to reassure clinicians of the quality of the reporting of intervention(s) performed when conducting multivariable analyses in future pragmatic PBE studies. Additional studies are needed to test whether these results can be validated using larger groups of therapists, trained and not trained in MDT methods, as well as examining different methods to examine inter-rater agreement for identifying diverse interventions commonly used for managing patients during routine practice.

Referral source and outcomes of physical therapy care in patients with low back pain

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective longitudinal cohort.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the clinical characteristics of patients with low back pain according to physician referral source, and to identify associations between referral source and discharge functional status, as well as number of physical therapy visits.

BACKGROUND

Little is known about associations between physician referral source and outcomes of physical therapy care for patients with low back pain. Exploring these associations can contribute to better understanding of physician-physical therapist relationships and may lead to improved referral patterns.

METHODS

Data from a proprietary clinical database were examined retrospectively. Physician referral source was classified as primary care, specialist, or occupational medicine. Outcomes were overall health status at discharge and number of physical therapy visits. Descriptive statistics and bivariate associations between referral source and each outcome were assessed by calculating differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in means and proportions. To account for potential confounding, multilevel linear regression was used to adjust for baseline clinical covariates, effects related to clustering of patients treated by individual clinicians, and clinicians working within individual clinics.

RESULTS

Bivariate and multilevel analyses revealed significant associations between referral source and discharge overall health status, as well as number of visits. After multilevel adjustment for covariate and clustering effects, primary care and occupational medicine referrals were associated, on average, with point increases of 1.6 (95% CI: 0.7, 2.6) and 4.8 (95% CI: 2.7, 6.9) in discharge overall health status scores, respectively, compared to specialist referral. Similarly, primary care and occupational medicine referrals were associated, on average, with 0.44 (95% CI: 0.27, 0.61) and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.44, 1.22) fewer visits, respectively, compared to specialist referral.

CONCLUSION

After accounting for clinical covariates and clustering, patients with low back pain who were referred by occupational medicine and primary care physicians tended to have better functional outcomes and required fewer physical therapy visits per episode of care.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognosis, level 2c.

An aerobic walking programme versus muscle strengthening programme for chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial

Objective:

To assess the effect of aerobic walking training as compared to active training, which includes muscle strengthening, on functional abilities among patients with chronic low back pain.

Design:

Randomized controlled clinical trial with blind assessors.

Setting:

Outpatient clinic.

Subjects:

Fifty-two sedentary patients, aged 18–65 years with chronic low back pain. Patients who were post surgery, post trauma, with cardiovascular problems, and with oncological disease were excluded.

Intervention:

Experimental ‘walking’ group: moderate intense treadmill walking; control ‘exercise’ group: specific low back exercise; both, twice a week for six weeks.

Main measures:

Six-minute walking test, Fear-Avoidance Belief Questionnaire, back and abdomen muscle endurance tests, Oswestry Disability Questionnaire, Low Back Pain Functional Scale (LBPFS).

Results:

Significant improvements were noted in all outcome measures in both groups with non-significant difference between groups. The mean distance in metres covered during 6 minutes increased by 70.7 (95% confidence interval (CI) 12.3–127.7) in the ‘walking’ group and by 43.8 (95% CI 19.6–68.0) in the ‘exercise’ group. The trunk flexor endurance test showed significant improvement in both groups, increasing by 0.6 (95% CI 0.0–1.1) in the ‘walking’ group and by 1.1 (95% CI 0.3–1.8) in the ‘exercise’ group.

Conclusions:

A six-week walk training programme was as effective as six weeks of specific strengthening exercises programme for the low back.

Lumbar computerized adaptive test and Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire: relative validity and important change

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of longitudinal, observational cohort data.

OBJECTIVES

To compare discriminating ability and minimal clinically important improvement (MCII) calculated using functional status (FS) measures estimated from the lumbar computerized adaptive test (LCAT) and Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (ODQ).

BACKGROUND

The LCAT and ODQ are commonly used to estimate FS in patients seeking outpatient therapy but have not been compared directly.

METHODS

Data from 8198 adult patients who completed the LCAT and ODQ at intake were analyzed, 3379 (41%) of whom completed both surveys at discharge. Global ratings of change data were available for 980 patients. Discriminating ability of FS estimates from the LCAT and ODQ was estimated using relative validity, calculated by dividing F values from LCAT and ODQ analyses of covariance for important risk-adjustment variables. MCII was estimated using receiver-operating-characteristic analyses by quartiles of intake FS values, and areas under the curves were compared.

RESULTS

Relative validity ratios favored the LCAT for age (3.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.0, 8.9), acuity (1.3; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.6), comorbidities (1.8; 95% CI: 1.3, 2.6), and surgical history (1.8; 95% CI: 1.2, 2.9). MCII cut scores per quartile favored the LCAT. Receiver-operating-characteristic areas under the curves were not different.

CONCLUSION

FS measures estimated by both questionnaires had similar psychometric characteristics. The LCAT FS estimates tended to be more discriminating than ODQ FS estimates. MCII cut scores by quartile of intake FS favored the LCAT. Given the need to be efficient and precise in estimating measures of FS, particularly in older patients, results favor the LCAT in busy, automated outpatient therapy clinics, which are increasingly serving an aging population.

Use of quality indicators in physical therapist practice: an observational study

BACKGROUND

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 contain provisions specific to health care quality that apply to physical therapists. Published evidence examining gaps in the quality of physical therapy services is limited.

OBJECTIVE

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the use of quality indicators in physical therapist practice.

DESIGN

This was an observational study.

METHODS

All members of the Orthopaedic and Private Practice sections of the American Physical Therapy Association were invited to participate by completing an electronic survey. The survey included 22 brief patient descriptions, each followed by questions regarding the use of examinations and interventions based on the 2009 list of Medicare-approved quality measures. Separate multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the odds ratios related to the performance of each examination and intervention on more than 90% of patients, given perceptions of its importance to care, the burden of performing it, and the level of evidence supporting its use.

RESULTS

Participants (n=2,544) reported a relatively low frequency of performing examinations and interventions supporting primary and secondary prevention (3.6%-51.3%) and use of standardized measures (5.5%-35.8%). Perceptions of high importance and low burden were associated with greater odds of performing an examination or intervention. Importance and burden were more influential factors than the perceived availability of evidence to support use of identified techniques.

LIMITATIONS

The survey was not assessed for test-retest reliability. A low response rate was a source of potential bias.

CONCLUSION

The study findings suggest that physical therapists may not see themselves as providers of primary or secondary prevention services. Patient management strategies associated with these types of services also may be perceived as relatively unimportant or burdensome.

Effect of specific exercise strategy on need for surgery in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome: randomised controlled study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate if a specific exercise strategy, targeting the rotator cuff and scapula stabilisers, improves shoulder function and pain more than unspecific exercises in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome, thereby decreasing the need for arthroscopic subacromial decompression.

DESIGN

Randomised, participant and single assessor blinded, controlled study.

SETTING

Department of orthopaedics in a Swedish university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

102 patients with long standing (over six months) persistent subacromial impingement syndrome in whom earlier conservative treatment had failed, recruited through orthopaedic specialists.

INTERVENTIONS

The specific exercise strategy consisted of strengthening eccentric exercises for the rotator cuff and concentric/eccentric exercises for the scapula stabilisers in combination with manual mobilisation. The control exercise programme consisted of unspecific movement exercises for the neck and shoulder. Patients in both groups received five to six individual guided treatment sessions during 12 weeks. In between these supervised sessions the participants performed home exercises once or twice a day for 12 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the Constant-Murley shoulder assessment score evaluating shoulder function and pain. Secondary outcomes were patients' global impression of change because of treatment and decision regarding surgery.

RESULTS

Most (97, 95%) participants completed the 12 week study. There was a significantly greater improvement in the Constant-Murley score in the specific exercise group than in the control exercise group (24 points (95% confidence interval 19 to 28.0) v 9 points (5 to 13); mean difference between group: 15 points (8.5 to 20.6)). Significantly more patients in the specific exercise group reported successful outcome (defined as large improvement or recovered) in the patients' global assessment of change because of treatment: 69% (35/51) v 24% (11/46); odds ratio 7.6, 3.1 to 18.9; P<0.001. A significantly lower proportion of patients in the specific exercise group subsequently chose to undergo surgery: 20% (10/51) v 63% (29/46); odds ratio 7.7, 3.1 to 19.4; P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

A specific exercise strategy, focusing on strengthening eccentric exercises for the rotator cuff and concentric/eccentric exercises for the scapula stabilisers, is effective in reducing pain and improving shoulder function in patients with persistent subacromial impingement syndrome. By extension, this exercise strategy reduces the need for arthroscopic subacromial decompression within the three month timeframe used in the study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical trials NCT01037673.

Using intake and change in multiple psychosocial measures to predict functional status outcomes in people with lumbar spine syndromes: a preliminary analysis

BACKGROUND

Managing patients with lumbar spine syndromes who are seeking outpatient physical therapy represents a complex problem where psychosocial constructs such as fear-avoidance beliefs regarding physical activities or work activities, somatization, and depressive symptoms may affect functional status (FS) outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether intake or changes in fear-avoidance beliefs regarding physical or work activities, somatization, and depressive symptoms assessed simultaneously affect FS outcomes prediction.

DESIGN

This study was a secondary analysis of prospectively collected, longitudinal, observational cohort data.

METHODS

Data analyzed were from adult patients (n=323) with lumbar syndromes classified as elevated versus not elevated on single-item screening instruments for fear-avoidance beliefs regarding physical or work activities, somatization, and depressive symptoms at intake and discharge. Prediction of minimal clinically important difference in FS was assessed separately for intake and change from intake to discharge classifications using logistic regression models controlling for important variables.

RESULTS

Intake and change models were strong (McFadden rho-squared values=.31 and .49, respectively). Patients classified as not elevated in fear-avoidance beliefs regarding physical activities but elevated in fear-avoidance beliefs regarding work activities, somatization, and depressive symptoms at intake were 5 out of 100 times less likely to report clinically important outcomes compared with being elevated in each measure. Patients not elevated in fear-avoidance beliefs regarding work activities and somatization at intake and discharge were 8 to 14 times more likely to report clinically important outcomes compared with being elevated in each measure.

LIMITATIONS

Sample size was limited. Data analyses were retrospective with no control of missing data.

CONCLUSIONS

Combinations of multiple psychosocial constructs were important predictors of FS outcomes and may assist patient management by: (1) identifying patients with elevated psychosocial constructs at intake and (2) tracking change in psychosocial variables for improved outcomes prediction. This model may prove helpful for future clinical and research applications to determine optimal psychosocial screening methods.

Change in psychosocial distress associated with pain and functional status outcomes in patients with lumbar impairments referred to physical therapy services

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, longitudinal, observational cohort design.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim was to examine the association between changes in psychosocial distress (PD), and functional status (FS) and pain intensity at discharge from physical therapy.

BACKGROUND

Patients with lumbar impairments seeking physical therapy commonly demonstrate elevated PD. However, it is not clear if PD changes that occur during physical therapy management are associated with improved clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Data from adults (n = 692) with lumbar impairment were analyzed. Patients were screened using the Symptom Checklist Back Pain Prediction Model questionnaire (SCL BPPM) to identify patients at intake and discharge into 3 levels of risk for persistent disability (high, intermediate, or low). SCL BPPM classifications allowed for 5 patterns of change in PD during therapy (decreased, stable low, stable intermediate, stable high, or increased). Associations between PD change patterns and discharge FS and pain intensity were assessed using multivariable linear regression models, controlling for selected risk-adjustment variables.

RESULTS

Proportions of patients classified by patterns of PD change for decreased, stable low, stable intermediate, stable high, and increased were 0.34, 0.52, 0.05, 0.06, and 0.03, respectively. Compared to the decreased PD group, (1) increased, stable high, and stable intermediate PD patterns were associated with worse discharge FS scores (-7.9 [95% CI: -13.5, -2.21], -10.9 [95% CI: -15.25, -6.49], and -8.9 [95% CI: -13.65, -4.21] units, respectively), and (2) stable high and stable intermediate PD patterns were associated with higher pain intensity (2.59 [95% CI: 1.81, 3.56] and 2.14 [95% CI: 1.25, 3.04] units, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower FS and higher pain intensity outcomes were associated in similar but not identical patterns with patients whose SCL BPPM classification of PD increased, or remained at high or intermediate levels during physical therapy. Serial assessments of change in PD during rehabilitation are recommended as a possible treatment-monitoring tool.

Total number and severity of comorbidities do not differ based on anatomical region of musculoskeletal pain

STUDY DESIGN

Secondary analysis, cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES

To (1) compare differences in individual comorbidity rates among patients with cervical, lumbar, and extremity pain complaints and (2) compare rates based on total number and severity in these same patient groups.

BACKGROUND

Comorbidities can impact recovery, prognosis, and potentially hinder participation in rehabilitation. Few studies have compared comorbidity rates among patients with different anatomical region of pain, to determine whether specific screening is warranted in physical therapy settings.

METHODS

Included in the analyses were 2375 patients who reported complete demographic, clinical, and comorbidity information using Patient Inquiry software. Comorbidity data were collected from the Functional Comorbidity Index (18 items) and 6 additional comorbidities, to assess the presence of medical disease across multiple body systems. Comorbidities were further classified as "nonsevere" or "severe," based on inclusion in the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Chi-square analyses investigated differences in the rates of total number and severe comorbidities. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated on rates with statistically significant differences (P<.001), using the lumbar spine as the reference group.

RESULTS

Of the 24 comorbid conditions included in this analysis, 3 nonsevere medical conditions (degenerative disc disease, obesity, and headache) had different rates among anatomical region. A lower rate for degenerative disc disease was associated with the extremity conditions (χ2 = 66.3; OR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.50). Higher rate of headache (χ2 = 115.3; OR = 3.01; 95% CI: 2.45, 3.70) and lower rate of obesity (χ2 = 16.2; OR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.51, 0.80) were associated with cervical conditions. There were no differences among the 3 anatomical regions for total number or severe comorbidities.

CONCLUSION

Focused screening for degenerative disc disease, obesity, and headache may be warranted. However, the same strategy was not supported for total number or severe comorbidities, at least when considering comparative rates from this cohort. Physical therapists should consider the potential influence of total number and severe comorbidities equally for all anatomical regions of musculoskeletal pain.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Differential diagnosis/symptom prevalence, level 3b.

Construct validation of a knee-specific functional status measure: a comparative study between the United States and Israel

BACKGROUND

Comparative effectiveness research (CER) requires valid outcome measures that discriminate patients by risk factors in similar ways across settings. Standardized functional status (FS) measures in physical therapy are used routinely in multiple countries, creating the potential for CER among countries.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess known-groups construct validity of a knee-specific FS measure within and between 2 countries for patients receiving outpatient physical therapy due to knee impairments.

DESIGN

This was a longitudinal, observational cohort study.

METHODS

The participants were 4,972 and 2,964 adult (age ≥18 years) patients with knee impairments from Israel and the United States, respectively. Differences in patient characteristics between the 2 countries were assessed using chi-square statistics and 2-sample t tests, as appropriate. Known-groups validity within and between the countries was assessed using 2-way analysis of covariance predicting FS at discharge, with sex, age, symptom acuity, surgical and exercise history, intake medication use, and country as risk-adjustment factors. Intake FS was the covariate. To compare how FS discriminated patient groups between countries, each factor was tested separately with models including an interaction term between the factor and country.

RESULTS

Patients were different between countries but had similar discharge FS trends, including: higher outcomes in patients who were male, were younger, had acute conditions, had one surgical procedure related to their knee impairment, were more physically active, and did not use related medication at admission. Interactions were not significant for sex, symptom acuity, and exercise history but were significant for age, surgical history, and medication use. Limitations Although strict patient selection criteria were set, some patient selection bias still might have existed.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrated the knee FS measures would be valid for use in CER between Hebrew-speaking patients (Israel) and English-speaking patients (United States).