The additional value of a pneumatic leg brace in the treatment of recruits with medial tibial stress syndrome; a randomized study

Home Use Therapies for Pain, Disability, and Quality of Life in Military Service Members with a Musculoskeletal Injury: An Updated Systematic Review Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Musculoskeletal (MSK) injury can negatively affect service members by compromising job performance and readiness. These injuries can impact the service member's physical health, functional abilities, and quality of life (QoL). Rehabilitation therapies for MSK injuries can reduce these impacts. One approach is home use rehabilitative therapy, usable during deployment and at home stations. The purpose of this updated systematic review with meta-analysis was to broaden our scope of pain/symptoms, disability, and QoL as outcome measures for nonpharmaceutical MSK therapies in a military population versus controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An updated systematic literature search was conducted from inception to September 2022 using electronic databases. From 2790 retrievals, 22 reports were identified from 21 randomized or nonrandomized control trials. Interventions included exercise, electrotherapy, bracing, and other devices compared to a standard control treatment. Outcomes for MSK pain/symptoms, disability, and QoL were summarized as (1) standardized change from baseline for both intervention and control by time and (2) standardized mean differences (SMDs) in the time change between the intervention and control.

RESULTS

Relative to baseline, pain improved during treatment and follow-up (P < .0001) with differences between intervention and control groups (P < .0001) but no significant interactions between group and time (P = .11). Overall, interventions showed modest (0.33 SMD, 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.54) improvement relative to controls across body regions and time. On average, disability exhibited an SMD of 0.12 (95% CI, -0.20 to 0.44) across all measures with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 0.93). Time (P = .02) but not intervention (P = .87) was a significant moderator with no clear pattern of change over time and no time by group interaction (P = .84). Quality of life had an overall modest effect with an SMD of 0.10 (95% CI, -0.04 to 0.24) with no evidence supporting a difference between the intervention and control groups (P = .10) and no significant interaction between time and group (P = .41). The QoL measures were primarily derived using the Short Form Health Survey (SF12/36), which provide a mental and physical component summary score. For the mental component, there was either no change or a small decline during the study (P(time) = .80), with a difference between the intervention and control (P = .04) but no interaction between groups over time (P = .40). For the physical component scale, there was improvement during the study (P = .01), with the intervention showing better improvement than the control (P = .005), with no interaction between the time and treatment/control group (P = .80). The report considers responses by region and individual treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis demonstrated modest improvement in pain and physical well-being with therapy, with low certainty across diverse military cohorts. The impact on overall health-related disability and QoL was limited, with little change in mental well-being. The substantial heterogeneity and low certainty across diverse military cohorts limit generalizability, suggesting that further research in homogeneous environments is important for guiding clinical decisions. The study's findings suggest that nonpharmacological home use interventions may offer modest improvements in pain relief, particularly early in treatment, and in strength and function, according to our previous report. These interventions could complement standard care, providing options that may benefit service members during deployment and at home.

Highlights of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome in Military Recruits: A Narrative Review

Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), commonly known as shin splints, is characterized by pain and inflammation in the shin caused by repetitive stress. While often associated with sports and physical activity, MTSS can significantly impact daily life, particularly in military recruits, making it a pertinent concern for this population. This narrative review synthesizes findings from a comprehensive search of databases to explore the prevalence, risk factors, and management of MTSS among military recruits. The search identified 35 studies discussing these aspects. MTSS is highly prevalent among military recruits, with an incidence ranging from 35% to 56%. Key risk factors include female sex, higher BMI, low aerobic fitness, smoking, and specific anatomical characteristics. Various treatments, including extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), compression therapy, pneumatic leg braces, and shock-absorbing insoles, have been shown to effectively accelerate recovery. Early identification of at-risk individuals could significantly reduce MTSS incidence and related healthcare costs. Emerging artificial intelligence tools also hold promise for delivering precise risk assessments. In conclusion, MTSS is a common issue among military personnel, driven by the physical demands of their training and specific risk factors. Further research into predictors of MTSS across diverse military populations is essential to improve outcomes.

Nonpharmacological Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injury in Military Personnel: A Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Musculoskeletal (MSK) injury is an inherent risk for military personnel that can potentially impact job performance, productivity, and military readiness. Evidence is needed to show the efficacy of nonpharmacological, self-managed therapies to reduce MSK symptoms at common injury sites that are feasible for use during expeditionary operations and home stations. This systematic review and meta-analysis identified, summarized, and synthesized available evidence from randomized and non-randomized trials on the effectiveness of self-managed, home-use therapies to improve pain, muscle strength, and physical performance in military personnel with MSK injuries, when compared to controls.

METHODS

The electronic databases of MEDLINE ALL Ovid, Embase.com, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Clinicaltrial.gov, and CINAHL Complete via EBSCO were systematically searched for relevant reports published in English. Utilizing the Covidence platform and consistent with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, multiple reviewers, using pre-determined data fields, screened for eligibility, assessed risk of bias (RoB), and performed data extraction. Evaluation of treatment effectiveness was determined using multilevel mixed-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The database and register search yielded 1,643 reports that were screened for eligibility. After screening of titles/abstracts and full texts, 21 reports were identified for evidence synthesis. Of these, two reports were excluded and two described the same study, resulting in a final list of 18 studies (19 reports). For quality assessment, the overall RoB for the 18 studies was categorized as 33.3% low risk, 55.6% with some concerns, and 11.1% high risk. Across the five domains of bias, 70% of the reports were classified as low risk. This systematic review found that the differences in interventions, outcome measures, and design between the studies were associated with a substantial degree of heterogeneity (I2 = 60.74%), with a small overall improvement in outcomes of the interventions relative to their specific control (standard mean difference 0.28; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.45). There were varying degrees of heterogeneity for individual body regions. This was due, in part, to a small number of studies per bodily location and differences in the study designs. For the neck/shoulder, heterogeneity was moderate, with the clearest positive effect being for physical performance outcomes via other medical devices. For the back, there was substantial heterogeneity between studies, with modest evidence that pain was favorably improved by other medical devices and exercise interventions. For the leg, one study showed a clear large effect for other medical devices (shockwave treatment) on pain with substantial heterogeneity. The best evidence for positive effects was for the knee, with mainly negligible heterogeneity and some benefits from bracing, electrotherapy, and exercise.

CONCLUSION

Evidence showed small beneficial effects in pain, strength, and physical performance by individual body regions for some interventions, compared to controls. The best evidence for a positive effect was for the knee. The findings suggest that some benefit may be obtained by including several treatments during deployment in austere environments and prolonged casualty care scenarios of military personnel with MSK injuries. Further research is warranted to better assess the potential benefits of using these treatments during deployments in austere environments as part of an individualized, multimodal approach for MSK injuries.

Effect of Compression Therapy in the Treatment of Tibial Stress Syndrome in Military Service Members

CONTEXT

Tibial stress syndrome (TSS) is an overuse injury of the lower extremities. There is a high incidence rate of TSS among military recruits. Compression therapy is used to treat a wide array of musculoskeletal injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of compression therapy as a treatment for TSS in military service members.

DESIGN

A parallel randomized study design was utilized.

METHODS

Military members diagnosed with TSS were assigned to either a relative rest group or compression garment group. Both groups started the study with 2 weeks of lower extremity rest followed by a graduated running program during the next 6 weeks. The compression garment group additionally wore a shin splints compression wrap during the waking hours of the first 2 weeks and during activity only for the next 6 weeks. Feelings of pain, TSS symptoms, and the ability to run 2 miles pain free were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks into the study.

RESULTS

Feelings of pain and TSS symptoms decreased during the 8-week study in both groups (P < .05), but these changes were not significantly different between groups (P > .05). The proportion of participants who were able to run 2 miles pain free was significantly different (P < .05) between the 2 groups at the 8-week time point with the compression garment group having a significantly increased ability to complete the run without pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Although perceptions of pain at rest were not different between groups, the functional ability of running 2 miles pain free was significantly improved in the compression garment group. These findings suggest that there is a moderate benefit to using compression therapy as an adjunct treatment for TSS, promoting a return to training for military service members.

Conceptualisation of a region-based group of musculoskeletal pain conditions as 'tibial loading pain' and systematic review of effects of load-modifying interventions

OBJECTIVES

Conceptualisation of a clinically-relevant group of conditions as a region-based, load-related musculoskeletal pain condition ('tibial loading pain') to enable identification of evidence of treatment effect from load-modifying interventions.

DESIGN

Systematic review and evidence synthesis based on a developed and justified theoretical position.

METHODS

Musculoskeletal pain localised to the tibial (shin) region and consistent with clinical presentations of an exercise/activity-related onset mechanism, was conceptualised as a group of conditions ('tibial loading pain') that could be reasoned to respond to load modifying interventions. Five databases were searched for randomized controlled studies investigating any load-modifying intervention for pain in the anterior-anteromedial lower leg (shin). Study quality was evaluated (Risk of Bias Tool Version 2) and level of certainty for the findings assessed.

RESULTS

Six studies reporting seven comparisons were included. Interventions included braces, anti-pronation taping, compression stocking and a stretch + strengthening programme. All included studies were assessed as having unclear or high risk of bias. The review found no evidence of beneficial effect from any of the load-modifying interventions on symptoms, physical performance or biomechanical measures, apart from a possible benefit of anti-pronation 'kinesio' taping. There was very low certainty evidence that kinesio taping improves pain and pain-free hopping distance after one week. The braces were associated with minor adverse effects and problems with acceptability.

CONCLUSIONS

None of the treatments investigated by the included studies can be recommended. Conceptualisation of the problem as regional, primarily loading-related pain rather than as multiple distinct pathoanatomically-based conditions, and clearer load-modifying hypotheses for interventions are recommended.

Shockwave treatment for medial tibial stress syndrome in military cadets: A single-blind randomized controlled trial

Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is a common injury in athletes and soldiers. Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave treatment (ESWT) in athletes with MTSS.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether one session of focused ESWT is effective in the treatment of military cadets with MTSS.

DESIGN

A randomized, prospective, controlled, single-blind, parallel-group clinical study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Ib.

SETTING

Military School of Cadets of the Colombian Army.

METHODS

Forty-two military cadets with unilateral chronic MTSS were randomly assigned to either one session of focused electromagnetic ESWT (1500 pulses at 0.20 mJ/mm²) plus a specific exercise programme (muscle stretching and strengthening exercises) or the exercise programme alone. The primary endpoint was change in asymptomatic running test (RT) duration at four weeks from baseline. Secondary endpoints were changes in the visual analogue scale (VAS) after running and modified Roles and Maudsley (RM) score also at four weeks from baseline.

RESULTS

ESWT patients were able to run longer. Mean RT after four weeks was 17 min 33 s (SE: 2.36) compared to 4 min 48 s (SE: 1.03) in the exercise-only group (p = 0.000). Mean VAS after running was 2.17 (SE: 0.44) in the ESWT group versus 4.26 (SE: 0.36) in the exercise-only group (p = 0.001). The ESWT group had a significantly higher RM score, with excellent or good results for 82.6% of patients vs. 36.8% in the exercise-only group (p = 0.002). No significant adverse effects of ESWT were observed.

CONCLUSION

A single application of focused shockwave treatment in combination with a specific exercise programme accelerates clinical and functional recovery in military cadets with MTSS.

A systematic review of questionnaires to assess patient satisfaction with limb orthoses

BACKGROUND

Assessment of patient satisfaction with orthosis is a key point for clinical practice and research, requiring questionnaires with robust psychometric properties.

OBJECTIVES

To identify which validated questionnaires are used to investigate patient satisfaction with orthosis in limb orthotics and to analyse (1) their main fields of clinical application, (2) the orthosis-related features analysed by the questionnaires and (3) the strength of their psychometric properties.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

A literature search using MEDLINE (PubMed), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Scopus databases for original articles published within the last 20 years was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 106 papers pertaining to various clinical fields were selected. The main features of patient satisfaction with orthosis analysed were as follows: aesthetic, ease in donning and doffing the device, time of orthotic use and comfort.

CONCLUSION

Of the questionnaires used to investigate patient satisfaction with orthosis, only four are adequately validated for this purpose: two for generic orthotic use (Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology 2.0 and Client Satisfaction with Device of Orthotics and Prosthetic Users' Survey) and two for specific application with orthopaedic shoes (Questionnaire for the Usability Evaluation of orthopaedic shoes and Monitor Orthopaedic Shoes). Further development, refinement and validation of outcome measures in this field are warranted.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Given the importance of analysing patient satisfaction with orthosis (PSwO), appropriate instruments to assess outcome are needed. This article reviews the currently available instruments and reflects on how future studies could be focused on the development, refinement and validation of outcome measures in this field.

Treatment of medial tibial stress syndrome according to the fascial distortion model: a prospective case control study

Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is a common problem among athletes and soldiers. There is no proven theory that could explain the pathophysiology of shin splints. The therapies described so far are time-consuming and involve a high risk of relapse. The method according to the fascial distortion model (FDM) addresses local changes in the area of the lower leg fascia. It is suited to reduce pain and functional impairments associated with this symptom complex by applying targeted manual techniques. 32 patients (male: 30; female: 2) participated in this study. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for the quantification of pain. Scores were also given to rate the maximum painless exercise tolerance of the patients. Subsequently treatment of the crural fascia was performed. Patients retested ability of running and jumping. Therapy was continued until full exercise tolerance or painlessness was reached. A significant reduction of the VAS pain score from 5.2 to 1.1 could be achieved (P < 0.001). The impairment of exercise tolerance could be reduced from 7 to 2 points (P < 0.001). The duration of treatment was 6.3 (SD: 4.3) days on average. The FDM therapy is a potential effective method for acute treatment of MTSS.

Treatment of medial tibial stress syndrome: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is a common exercise-induced leg injury among athletes and military personnel. Several treatment options have been described in the literature, but it remains unclear which treatment is most effective.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of any intervention in the treatment of MTSS.

STUDY SELECTION

Published or non-published studies, reporting randomized or non-randomized controlled trials of any treatment in subjects with MTSS were eligible for inclusion. Treatments were assessed for effects on pain, time to recovery or global perceived effect.

DATA SOURCES

Computerized bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro and SPORTDiscus) and trial registries were searched for relevant reports, from their inception to 1 June 2012. Grey literature was searched for additional relevant reports.

STUDY APPRAISAL

The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used to appraise study quality of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) whereas the Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used to appraise non-randomized trials. The 'levels of evidence', according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, addressed the impact of the assessed trials. Two reviewers independently performed the search for articles, study selection, data extraction and appraised methodological quality.

RESULTS

Eleven trials were included in this systematic review. All RCTs revealed a high risk of bias (Level 3 of evidence). Both non-randomized clinical trials were found to be of poor quality (Level 4 of evidence). RCTs, studying the effect of a lower leg brace versus no lower leg brace, and iontophoresis versus phonophoresis, were pooled using a fixed-effects model. No significant differences were found for lower leg braces (standardized mean difference [SMD] -0.06; 95 % CI -0.44 to 0.32, p = 0.76), or iontophoresis (SMD 0.09; 95 % CI -0.50 to 0.68, p = 0.76). Iontophoresis, phonophoresis, ice massage, ultrasound therapy, periosteal pecking and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) could be effective in treating MTSS when compared with control (Level 3 to 4 of evidence). Low-energy laser treatment, stretching and strengthening exercises, sports compression stockings, lower leg braces and pulsed electromagnetic fields have not been proven to be effective in treating MTSS (level 3 of evidence).

CONCLUSION

None of the studies are sufficiently free from methodological bias to recommend any of the treatments investigated. Of those examined, ESWT appears to have the most promise.

Common leg injuries of long-distance runners: anatomical and biomechanical approach

CONTEXT

Long-distance running (greater than 3000 m) is often recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Running injury rates increase significantly when weekly mileage extends beyond 40 miles cumulatively. With the development of running analysis and other diagnostic tests, injuries to the leg secondary to bone, musculotendinous, and vascular causes can be diagnosed and successfully managed.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Searches used the terms running, injuries, lower extremity, leg, medial tibial stress syndrome, compartment syndrome, stress fractures, popliteal artery entrapment, gastrocnemius soleus tears, and Achilles tendinopathy. Sources included Medline, Google Scholar, and Ovid from 1970 through January 2012.

RESULTS

Tibial stress fractures and medial tibial stress syndrome can sometimes be prevented and/or treated by correcting biomechanical abnormalities. Exertional compartment syndrome and popliteal artery entrapment syndrome are caused by anatomic abnormalities and are difficult to treat without surgical correction.

CONCLUSION

Leg pain due to bone, musculotendinous, and vascular causes is common among long-distance runners. Knowledge of the underlying biomechanical and/or anatomic abnormality is necessary to successfully treat these conditions.

Chronic lower leg pain in athletes: a guide for the differential diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment

Context:

Chronic lower leg pain in athletes can be a frustrating problem for patients and a difficult diagnosis for clinicians. Myriad approaches have been suggested to evaluate these conditions. With the continued evolution of diagnostic studies, evidence-based guidance for a standard approach is unfortunately sparse.

Evidence Acquisition:

PubMed was searched from January 1980 to May 2011 to identify publications regarding chronic lower leg pain in athletes (excluding conditions related to the foot), including differential diagnosis, clinical presentation, physical examination, history, diagnostic workup, and treatment.

Results:

Leg pain in athletes can be caused by many conditions, with the most frequent being medial tibial stress syndrome; chronic exertional compartment syndrome, stress fracture, nerve entrapment, and popliteal artery entrapment syndrome are also considerations. Conservative management is the mainstay of care for the majority of causes of chronic lower leg pain; however, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Conclusion:

Chronic lower extremity pain in athletes includes a wide differential and can pose diagnostic dilemmas for clinicians.

The treatment of medial tibial stress syndrome in athletes; a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The only three randomized trials on the treatment of MTSS were all performed in military populations. The treatment options investigated in this study were not previously examined in athletes. This study investigated if functional outcome of three common treatment options for medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) in athletes in a non-military setting was the same.

METHODS

The study design was randomized and multi-centered. Physical therapists and sports physicians referred athletes with MTSS to the hospital for inclusion. 81 athletes were assessed for eligibility of which 74 athletes were included and randomized to three treatment groups. Group one performed a graded running program, group two performed a graded running program with additional stretching and strengthening exercises for the calves, while group three performed a graded running program with an additional sports compression stocking. The primary outcome measure was: time to complete a running program (able to run 18 minutes with high intensity) and secondary outcome was: general satisfaction with treatment.

RESULTS

74 Athletes were randomized and included of which 14 did not complete the study due a lack of progress (18.9%). The data was analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. Time to complete a running program and general satisfaction with the treatment were not significantly different between the three treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

This was the first randomized trial on the treatment of MTSS in athletes in a non-military setting. No differences were found between the groups for the time to complete a running program.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

CCMO; NL23471.098.08.