Körperliche Aktivität und muskuloskeletale Schmerzen: Ein Fokus-Review aus dem MiSpEx-Forschungsverbund

Lifestyles during the First Wave of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study of 16,811 Adults from Spanish-Speaking Countries in South America

The aim of this research was to analyze the lifestyles of adults from Spanish-speaking countries in South America during the COVID-19 pandemic using a cross-sectional, analytical, and multicenter study. The target population was composed of people aged 18 and older who resided in South America during the pandemic; the final sample comprised 16,811 participants who were predominantly female, with ages ranging from 18 to 79 years. The results showed that approximately six out of ten respondents did not engage in any physical activity; only one in four respondents indicated that their diet was sufficient and balanced; and most washed their hands frequently and showered every day. Regarding the type of isolation, half reported that it was voluntary and the rest mandatory or restricted. Regarding mobility, six out of ten surveyed leave their residence on a weekly basis. Regarding the use of personal protective equipment, the majority used masks and a smaller proportion used gloves. In conclusion, the majority of respondents did not perform any physical activity; moreover, one in four reported having a sufficient balanced diet. We therefore recommend an improvement of public policies to promote better lifestyles in South America, in particular the reorientation of the health system to prevent similar situations.

[Pain modulation through exercise : Exercise-induced hypoalgesia in physiotherapy]

Exercise prescription is a central tenet of physiotherapy. One of the numerous benefits of exercise is its influence on endogenous pain modulation. Exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) refers to a short-term change in pain sensitivity following an acute bout of exercise. Interest in this phenomenon has grown considerably with over 150 articles published, including four systematic reviews in 2020 alone.This narrative review provides an overview of EIH including a definition and summary of the underlying mechanisms and mediating factors. Recent systematic reviews assessing EIH in people with and without musculoskeletal complaints were evaluated using AMSTAR2. Review findings confirm the presence of EIH. For asymptomatic people, confidence in the evidence was low to very low due to high heterogeneity of included studies, risk of bias, and study eligibility. For people with pain, there is very low confidence, at best, that subgroups or isometric exercise show altered EIH. Despite the growing body of evidence, challenges within the available evidence due to its complex nature are highlighted. Recommendations regarding outcome measures and exercise parameters are required, and further understanding of reliability and validity of EIH is needed. There is a demand to further elucidate these parameters and contextual factors to advance our understanding of EIH. Additional clinical research, especially in patient populations, is required to then provide implications for rehabilitation.

Chronic musculoskeletal pain and function improve with a plant-based diet

BACKGROUND

Chronic musculoskeletal pain, often debilitating, affects all genders, ethnicities, and age groups. Research suggests consumption of a plant-based diet may improve the status of persons with chronic pain. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains has been shown to reduce chronic pain and disability associated with musculoskeletal conditions.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the value of a plant-based diet in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain and functional limitations.

METHOD

Fourteen subjects participated in the eight-week study. Baseline evaluation included anthropometric measurements and completion of two self-reported outcome measures: Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). A registered dietitian nutritionist provided a sample menu cycle and education on a plant-based diet. Subjects utilized a phone app to log food intake and receive support from the dietitian. Post data collection included a repeat of the baseline measures and the Patient Global Impression of Change Scale. The sample was small. Twenty subjects began, 14 completed. No comparison group was used. Results should be considered with caution.

RESULTS

The diet intervention resulted in decreased pain and improvement in quality of life. Diet adherence by ten of fourteen subjects was 89% based on completion of food intake records and adherence to allowed foods.

CONCLUSION

Consumption of a plant-based diet produced positive improvements in chronic pain and function. Interprofessional collaboration between physical therapists and registered dietitian nutritionists, along with other healthcare practitioners, can encourage and promote diet interventions that positively affect chronic pain.