Changes in spontaneous overt motor execution immediately after observing others' painful action: two pilot studies

A systematic review and meta analysis of measurement properties for the flexion relaxation ratio in people with and without non specific spine pain

This review sought to identify, critically appraise, compare, and summarize the literature on the reliability, discriminative validity and responsiveness of the flexion relaxation ratio (FRR) in adults (≥ 18 years old) with or without spine pain (any duration), in either a clinical or research context. The review protocol was registered on Open Science Framework ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/27EDF ) and follows COSMIN, PRISMA, and PRESS guidelines. Six databases were searched from inception to June 1, 2022. The search string was developed by content experts and a health services librarian. Two pairs of reviewers independently completed titles/abstracts and full text screening for inclusion, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment (COSMIN RoB Toolkit). At all stages, discrepancies were resolved through consensus meetings. Data were pooled where possible with a three-level random effects meta-analyses and a modified GRADE assessment was used for the summary of findings. Following duplicate removal, 728 titles/abstracts and 219 full texts were screened with 23 included in this review. We found, with moderate certainty of evidence, that the cervical FRR has high test-retest reliability and lumbar FRR has moderate to high test-retest reliability, and with high certainty of evidence that the cervical and lumbar FRR can discriminate between healthy and clinical groups (standardized mean difference - 1.16 [95% CI - 2.00, - 0.32] and - 1.21 [- 1.84, - 0.58] respectively). There was not enough evidence to summarize findings for thoracic FRR discriminative validity or the standard error of measurement for the FRR. Several studies used FRR assuming responsiveness, but no studies were designed in a way that could confirm responsiveness. The evidence supports adequate reliability of FRR for the cervical and lumbar spine, and discriminative validity for the cervical and lumbar spine only. Improvements in study design and reporting are needed to strengthen the evidence base to determine the remaining measurement properties of this outcome.

Skin Displacement as fascia tissue manipulation at the lower back affects instantaneously the flexion-and extension spine, pelvis, and hip range of motion

Low back pain (LBP), associated with spine, pelvis, and hip mobility impairments can be caused by tight muscle contractions, to protect sensitized lumbar fasciae. Fascia tissue manipulations are used to treat lumbar fascia in LBP. The effect of fascia tissue manipulations through lumbodorsal skin displacement (SKD) on mobility is inconclusive likely depending on the location and displacement direction of the manipulation. This study aimed to assess whether lumbodorsal SKD affects the flexion -and extension range of motion (ROM), in healthy subjects. Furthermore, we aimed to test the effect of SKD at different locations and directions. Finally, to assess intertester and intratester reliability of SKD. Effects of SKD were tested in a motion capture, single-blinded, longitudinal, experimental study. Sixty-three subjects were randomly assigned to SKD- or sham group. SKD group was subjected to either mediolateral directed SKD during flexion or extension movement, versus a sham. The thoracic, lumbar, and hip angles and finger floor distance were measured to assess the change in ROM. Statistics indicated that the effect size in instantaneously change of flexion -and extension ROM by SKD was large (Effect size: flexion η² _p = 0.12-0.90; extension η² _p = 0.29-0.42). No significant effect was present in the sham condition. Flexion ROM decreased whereas the extension ROM increased, depending on SKD location- and displacement direction (p < 0.05). The ICC indicates a good intertester and intratester reliability (resp. ICC_3,k = 0.81-0.93; ICC_3,1 = 0.70-0.84). Lumbodorsal SKD affects the flexion- and extension spine, pelvis, and hip range of motion. The effects of SKD are direction- and location dependent as well as movement (flexion/extension) specific. Lumbodorsal SKD during flexion and extension may be useful to determine whether or not a patient would benefit from fascia tissue manipulations. Further research is required to obtain insight into the mechanisms via which the SKD affects ROM and muscle activation, in healthy, asymptomatic-LBP, and LBP subjects.