The effect of vibration therapy on neck myofascial trigger points: A randomized controlled pilot study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-frequency self-administered vibration therapy into myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius and levator scapulae on patients with chronic non-specific neck pain.

METHODS

Twenty-eight patients with chronic non-specific neck pain were randomly assigned into a vibration group, receiving 10 self-applied sessions of vibration therapy in the upper trapezius and levator scapulae trigger points; or a control group, receiving no intervention. Self-reported neck pain and disability (Neck Disability Index) and pressure pain threshold were assessed at baseline and after the first, fifth and 10th treatment sessions.

FINDINGS

Significant differences were found in the vibration group when compared to the control group after the treatment period: the vibration group reached lower Neck Disability Index scores (F = 4.74, P = .033, η² = 0.07) and greater pressure pain threshold values (F = 7.56, P = .01, η² = 0.10) than the control group. The vibration group reported a significant reduction in Neck Disability Index scores (χ2 = 19,35, P = .00, Kendall's W = 0.28) and an increase in pressure pain threshold (χ2 = 87,10, P = .00, Kendall's W = 0.73) between the assessment times over the course of the treatment. The mean increase in pressure pain threshold in the vibration group after the 10 sessions was 8.54 N/cm2, while the mean reduction in Neck Disability Index scores was 4.53 points.

INTERPRETATION

Vibration therapy may be an effective intervention for reducing self-reported neck pain and disability and pressure pain sensitivity in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. This tool could be recommended for people with non-specific neck pain.

Inter- and intra-variability of seed germination traits of Carpobrotus edulis N.E.Br. and its hybrid C. affine acinaciformis

Invasions by alien Carpobrotus spp. have been recognised as one of the most severe threats to Mediterranean climate coastal ecosystems, and Carpobrotus is considered one of the most widespread invasive alien genera in the Mediterranean Basin. The aims of this study were to characterise seed germination of both C. edulis and its hybrid C. aff. acinaciformis, in terms of photoperiod, temperature and salinity. Inter- and intra-specific variability in the responses to photoperiod (12/12 h light and total darkness), constant temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 °C) and an alternating temperature regime (25/10 °C), salt stress (0, 125, 250, 500 mm NaCl) and the recovery of seed germination were evaluated for two seed lots of C. edulis and two of its hybrid C. aff. acinaciformis. All the tested seed lots achieved higher germination percentages in the light, with respect to total darkness. In relation to temperature, the two C. edulis seed lots did not show a preference, while the two C. aff. acinaciformis seed lots differed in their germination response, one germinating more at the lowest temperatures (5 and 10 °C) and one at the highest (20 and 25 °C). For all seed lots, highest germination occurred without NaCl (0 mm) and germination decreased with increasing salinity. Different germination requirements in a saline substrate were not detected for C. edulis, while they were observed for C. aff. acinaciformis. Marked differences were detected in recovery responses between the two taxa. C. edulis has the ability to germinate over a wide time window throughout the year. This study identified significant differences in seed production, seed mass, germination requirements (temperature) and salinity tolerance for both C. edulis and C. aff. acinaciformis. Our results indicate the extreme versatility of the hybrid forms to germinate in a wide range of natural conditions and habitats.

Health-related quality of life in pediatric intestinal transplantation

To determine HRQOL after pediatric intestinal transplantation. Thirty-four IT survivors from 1999 to 2012 were asked to complete age-specific HRQOL non-disease-specific questionnaires: TAPQOL (0-4 yr), KINDL-R (5-7 yr; 8-12 yr; 13-17 yr), and SF-36v2 (>18 yr), all validated with Spanish population. Primary caregiver completed a SF-36 questionnaire and CBI. Thirty-one participants were included. Median age was 10.2 yr (1-29) and time after transplant 4.4 yr (0-13). Overall patient scores were 78.2 ± 10.6 (n = 8), 83.3 ± 9.7 (n = 6), 72.2 ± 9.21 (n = 6), 80.5 ± 12.4 (n = 7), and 82.2 ± 12.4 (n = 4) for each age group. Highest scores were obtained for vitality (group I), self-esteem (group IV), and physical and social functioning and emotions (group V). Lowest scores were obtained in appetite and behavior (I), family and school (III), and chronic disease perception (III, IV). No significant differences were found between caregivers and their children. CBI showed stress in 52%. SF-36 for caregivers was lower than general population. No significant differences were found depending on relevant clinical and sociodemographic data. HRQOL was acceptable and improved with age and time since transplantation. Parents had a slighter own QOL and worse perception of health than their children. When successful, intestinal transplantation allows a normal life in most patients and can be offered as an attractive option.