Effects of Lifestyle Interventions on the Improvement of Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal condition that has a great socioeconomic impact on health systems. Instead of focusing on mechanical causes and direct workload in the development of CNSLBP, genetics, psychosocial environment, lifestyle and quality of life are coming to the forefront in its approach. The main objective was to analyze whether interventions aimed at modifying lifestyle can be effective in improving pain intensity and functional disability in CNSLBP. A search in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and SportDiscus databases was performed. Both a univariate and a multivariate network meta-analysis were applied with the difference pre/post-treatment. A total of 20 studies were included for qualitative analysis, of which 16 were randomized clinical trials with a moderate-high methodological quality and were part of the quantitative analysis. The interventions that had the greatest effect in reducing pain intensity were cognitive therapy combined with functional exercise programs, lumbar stabilization exercise and resistance exercise; meanwhile, for functional disability, they were functional exercise programs, aerobic exercise and standard care. In conclusion, a multimodal intervention aimed at changing one's lifestyle that encompasses cognitive, behavioral, and physical aspects seems to be highly effective in improving pain intensity and functional disability caused by CNSLBP; however, it is not yet known if these improvements are maintained in the long term.

The Effectiveness of a Single Dry Needling Session on Gait and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis: A Double-Blind Randomized Sham-Controlled Pilot Trial

INTRODUCTION

Gait disorders are a major cause of disability and reduced health-related quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Dry needling (DN) has demonstrated positive results to improve gait parameters in patients with stroke. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a single session of DN in the gait performance of pwMS.

METHODS

A double-blind parallel randomized sham-controlled pilot trial was conducted. Study participants received a single session of active DN or sham DN in the gastrocnemius medialis muscle. Pre-treatment and immediately post-treatment measurements were taken, as well as at one and four weeks after the intervention. Outcomes related to gait performance (Timed 25-Foot Walk), self-perceived walking capacity (Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale), risk of falls (Timed Up and Go test), disability level (Expanded Disability Status Score) and quality of life (Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 questionnaire and Analogic Quality of Life scale) were evaluated.

RESULTS

18 patients who had multiple sclerosis participated in the study. The group who received active DN showed within-group significant statistical differences immediately after treatment for gait performance (p = 0.008) and risk of falls (p = 0.008), as well as for self-perceived walking capacity at one week (p = 0.017) and four weeks (p = 0.011) and quality of life at four weeks (p = 0.014). Regarding the comparison between groups, only significant results were obtained in the physical domain of the quality of life at four weeks (p = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

DN seems to be a promising therapeutic tool for the treatment of gait disorders in pwMS. However, when results were compared with sham DN, no differences were found.

Are physical therapy interventions effective in improving sleep in people with chronic pain? A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis

Chronic pain exerts an enormous personal and economic burden, with sleep disturbances being one of the most reported problems by adults with chronic pain. The aim of this study was to analyse whether different physical therapy interventions could lead to improvements in sleep quality and pain intensity in individuals with chronic pain, as well as if there is any association. A systematic review and a univariate and multivariate meta-analysis were carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines. A search in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases was performed. Six randomised controlled trials were included in the review and four of them were included in the meta-analysis; all of them with a moderate to high methodological quality. Data from adult participants with chronic pain after different physical therapy interventions was extracted. For the meta-analysis, the Insomnia Severity Index and the Numerical Rating Scale were considered. Results from the qualitative and quantitative analysis showed that most of the physical therapy interventions included had higher improvements in the intervention group than in the control group, although the effect size was not statistically significant (univariate for sleep quality: -0.08 [-0.34, 0.18], p = 0.46; univariate for pain intensity: -0.47 [-1.24, 0.30], p = 0.18; multivariate for both outcomes: -0.27). More studies are still needed to determine which physical therapy interventions are effective to improve sleep in people with chronic pain and if there are patients with specific characteristics who may benefit more than others.

The Use of Sensors to Prevent, Predict Transition to Chronic and Personalize Treatment of Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review

Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is a highly prevalent condition that implies substantial expenses and affects quality of life in terms of occupational and recreational activities, physical and psychological health, and general well-being. The diagnosis and treatment are challenging processes due to the unknown underlying causes of the condition. Recently, sensors have been included in clinical practice to implement its management. In this review, we furthered knowledge about the potential benefits of sensors such as force platforms, video systems, electromyography, or inertial measure systems in the assessment process of NSLBP. We concluded that sensors could identify specific characteristics of this population like impaired range of movement, decreased stability, or disturbed back muscular activation. Sensors could provide sufferers with earlier diagnosis, prevention strategies to avoid chronic transition, and more efficient treatment approaches. Nevertheless, the review has limitations that need to be considered in the interpretation of results.