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Sheeran L, Al-Amri M, Sparkes V, Davies JL. Assessment of Spinal and Pelvic Kinematics Using Inertial Measurement Units in Clinical Subgroups of Persistent Non-Specific Low Back Pain. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:2127. [PMID: 38610338 PMCID: PMC11013962 DOI: 10.3390/s24072127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Inertial measurement units (IMUs) offer a portable and quantitative solution for clinical movement analysis. However, their application in non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) remains underexplored. This study compared the spine and pelvis kinematics obtained from IMUs between individuals with and without NSLBP and across clinical subgroups of NSLBP. A total of 81 participants with NSLBP with flexion (FP; n = 38) and extension (EP; n = 43) motor control impairment and 26 controls (No-NSLBP) completed 10 repetitions of spine movements (flexion, extension, lateral flexion). IMUs were placed on the sacrum, fourth and second lumbar vertebrae, and seventh cervical vertebra to measure inclination at the pelvis, lower (LLx) and upper (ULx) lumbar spine, and lower cervical spine (LCx), respectively. At each location, the range of movement (ROM) was quantified as the range of IMU orientation in the primary plane of movement. The ROM was compared between NSLBP and No-NSLBP using unpaired t-tests and across FP-NSLBP, EP-NSLBP, and No-NSLBP subgroups using one-way ANOVA. Individuals with NSLBP exhibited a smaller ROM at the ULx (p = 0.005), LLx (p = 0.003) and LCx (p = 0.01) during forward flexion, smaller ROM at the LLx during extension (p = 0.03), and a smaller ROM at the pelvis during lateral flexion (p = 0.003). Those in the EP-NSLBP group had smaller ROM than those in the No-NSLBP group at LLx during forward flexion (Bonferroni-corrected p = 0.005), extension (p = 0.013), and lateral flexion (p = 0.038), and a smaller ROM at the pelvis during lateral flexion (p = 0.005). Those in the FP-NSLBP subgroup had smaller ROM than those in the No-NSLBP group at the ULx during forward flexion (p = 0.024). IMUs detected variations in kinematics at the trunk, lumbar spine, and pelvis among individuals with and without NSLBP and across clinical NSLBP subgroups during flexion, extension, and lateral flexion. These findings consistently point to reduced ROM in NSLBP. The identified subgroup differences highlight the potential of IMU for assessing spinal and pelvic kinematics in these clinically verified subgroups of NSLBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liba Sheeran
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; (M.A.-A.); (V.S.); (J.L.D.)
- Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Versus Arthritis, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Mohammad Al-Amri
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; (M.A.-A.); (V.S.); (J.L.D.)
- Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Versus Arthritis, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Valerie Sparkes
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; (M.A.-A.); (V.S.); (J.L.D.)
- Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Versus Arthritis, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Jennifer L. Davies
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; (M.A.-A.); (V.S.); (J.L.D.)
- Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Versus Arthritis, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
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Li R, Li Y, Kong Y, Li H, Hu D, Fu C, Wei Q. Virtual Reality-Based Training in Chronic Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e45406. [PMID: 38407948 DOI: 10.2196/45406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low back pain is one of the most prevalent pain conditions worldwide. Virtual reality-based training has been used for low back pain as a new treatment strategy. Present evidence indicated that the effectiveness of virtual reality-based training for people with chronic low back pain is inconclusive. OBJECTIVE This study conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the immediate- and short-term effects of virtual reality-based training on pain, pain-related fear, and disability in people with chronic low back pain. METHODS We searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PEDro, CENTRAL, and CINAHL databases from inception until January 2024. Only randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of virtual reality-based training on individuals with chronic low back pain were selected. The outcomes were focused on pain, pain-related fear measured by the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, and disability measured by the Oswestry Disability Index. The immediate term was defined as the immediate period after intervention, and the short term was defined as 3 to 6 months after intervention. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach were used to evaluate the quality of the methodology and evidence, respectively. RESULTS In total, 20 randomized controlled trials involving 1059 patients were eligible for analysis. Virtual reality-based training showed significant improvements in pain (mean difference [MD] -1.43; 95% CI -1.86 to -1.00; I2=95%; P<.001), pain-related fear using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (MD -5.46; 95% CI -9.40 to 1.52; I2=90%; P=.007), and disability using the Oswestry Disability Index (MD -11.50; 95% CI -20.00 to -3.01; I2=95%; P=.008) in individuals with chronic low back pain immediately after interventions. However, there were no significant differences observed in pain (P=.16), pain-related fear (P=.10), and disability (P=.43) in the short term. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicated that virtual reality-based training can be used effectively for individuals with chronic low back pain in the immediate term, especially to reduce pain, alleviate pain-related fear, and improve disability. However, the short-term benefits need more high-quality trials to be demonstrated. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021292633; http://tinyurl.com/25mydxpz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Li
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Yinghao Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Youli Kong
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Hanbin Li
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Danrong Hu
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenying Fu
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Aging and Geriatric Mechanism Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Quan Wei
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
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Jang S, Lee B, Lee E, Kim J, Lee JI, Lim JY, Hwang JH, Jang S. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Rehabilitation Using Digital Healthcare on Musculoskeletal Pain and Quality of Life. J Pain Res 2023; 16:1877-1894. [PMID: 37284324 PMCID: PMC10239626 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s388757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rehabilitation using digital healthcare (DHC) has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of treatment for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and associated pain by improving patient outcomes, while being cost-effective, safe, and measurable. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of musculoskeletal rehabilitation using DHC. We searched PubMed, Ovid-Embase, Cochrane Library, and PEDro Physiotherapy Evidence Database from inception to October 28, 2022 for controlled clinical trials comparing DHC to conventional rehabilitation. We used a random-effects model for the meta-analysis, pooling the effects of DHC on pain and quality of life (QoL) by calculating standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between DHC rehabilitation and conventional rehabilitation (control). Fifty-four studies with 6240 participants met the inclusion criteria. The sample size ranged from 26 to 461, and the average age of the participants ranged from 21.9 to 71.8 years. The majority of the included studies focused on knee or hip joint MSD (n = 23), and the most frequently utilized DHC interventions were mobile applications (n = 26) and virtual or augmented reality (n = 16). Our meta-analysis of pain (n = 45) revealed that pain reduction was greater in DHC rehabilitation than in conventional rehabilitation (SMD: -0.55, 95% CI: -0.74, -0.36), indicating that rehabilitation using DHC has the potential to ameliorate MSD pain. Furthermore, DHC significantly improved health-related QoL and disease-specific QoL (SMD: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.29, 1.03; SMD: -0.44, 95% CI: -0.87, -0.01) compared to conventional rehabilitation. Our findings suggest that DHC offers a practical and flexible rehabilitation alternative for both patients with MSD and healthcare professionals. Nevertheless, further researches are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which DHC affects patient-reported outcomes, which may vary depending on the type and design of the DHC intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhyun Jang
- College of Pharmacy and Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Boram Lee
- Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunji Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungbin Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong In Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Young Lim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hye Hwang
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunmee Jang
- College of Pharmacy and Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
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Kantha P, Hsu WL, Chen PJ, Tsai YC, Lin JJ. A novel balance training approach: Biomechanical study of virtual reality-based skateboarding. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1136368. [PMID: 36845193 PMCID: PMC9950389 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1136368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The use of virtual reality (VR) technology in training and rehabilitation gained increasing attention in recent years due to its potential to provide immersive and interactive experiences. We developed a novel VR-based balance training, VR-skateboarding, for improving balance. It is important to investigate the biomechanical aspects of this training, as it would have benefited both health professionals and software engineers. Aims: This study aimed to compare the biomechanical characteristics of VR-skateboarding with those of walking. Materials and Methods: Twenty young participants (10 males and 10 females) were recruited. Participants underwent VR-skateboarding and walking at the comfortable walking speed, with the treadmill set at the same speed for both tasks. The motion capture system and electromyography were used to determine joint kinematics and muscle activity of the trunk and legs, respectively. The force platform was also used to collect the ground reaction force. Results: Participants demonstrated increased trunk flexion angles and muscle activity of trunk extensor during VR-skateboarding than during walking (p < 0.01). For the supporting leg, participants' joint angles of hip flexion and ankle dorsiflexion, as well as muscle activity of knee extensor, were higher during VR-skateboarding than during walking (p < 0.01). For the moving leg, only hip flexion increased in VR-skateboarding when compared to walking (p < 0.01). Furthermore, participants increased weight distribution in the supporting leg during VR-skateboarding (p < 0.01). Conclusion: VR-skateboarding is a novel VR-based balance training that has been found to improve balance through increased trunk and hip flexion, facilitated knee extensor muscles, and increased weight distribution on the supporting leg compared to walking. These differences in biomechanical characteristics have potential clinical implications for both health professionals and software engineers. Health professionals may consider incorporating VR-skateboarding into training protocols to improve balance, while software engineers may use this information to design new features in VR systems. Our study suggests that the impact of VR-skateboarding particularly manifest when focusing on the supporting leg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phunsuk Kantha
- School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Li Hsu
- School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan,Physical Therapy Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,*Correspondence: Wei-Li Hsu,
| | - Po-Jung Chen
- School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Tsai
- School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jiu-Jenq Lin
- School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan,Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Meinke A, Maschio C, Meier ML, Karlen W, Swanenburg J. The association of fear of movement and postural sway in people with low back pain. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1006034. [PMID: 36467232 PMCID: PMC9716132 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1006034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fear of movement is thought to interfere with the recovery from low back pain (LBP). To date, the relationship between fear of movement and postural balance has not been adequately elucidated. Recent findings suggest that more specific fears need to be assessed and put in relation to a specific movement task. We propose that the fear to bend the trunk in a certain direction is distinctly related to the amount of postural sway in different directions. Therefore, our aim was to investigate whether fear of movement in general and fear of bending the trunk in a certain plane is related to postural sway. METHODS Data was collected from participants with LBP during two assessments ~3 weeks apart. Postural sway was measured with a force-platform during quiet standing with the eyes closed. Fear of movement was assessed with an abbreviated version of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11) and custom items referring to fear of bending the trunk in the sagittal and the frontal plane. RESULTS Based on data from 25 participants, fear of bending the trunk in the frontal plane was positively related to displacement in the sagittal and frontal plane and to velocity in the frontal plane (χ 2 = 4.35, p = 0.04; χ 2 = 8.15, p = 0.004; χ 2 = 9.79, p = 0.002). Fear of bending the trunk in the sagittal plane was not associated with any direction specific measure of sway. A positive relation of the TSK-11 with velocity of the frontal plane (χ 2 = 7.14, p = 0.008) was found, but no association with undirected measures of sway. DISCUSSION Fear of bending the trunk in the frontal plane may be especially relevant to postural sway under the investigated stance conditions. It is possible that fear of bending the trunk in the frontal plane could interfere with balance control at the hip, shifting the weight from side to side to control balance. CONCLUSION For the first time the directional relationship of fear of movement and postural sway was studied. Fear of bending the trunk in the frontal plane was positively associated with several measures of postural sway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Meinke
- Mobile Health Systems Lab, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cinzia Maschio
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael L Meier
- Integrative Spinal Research, Department of Chiropractic Medicine, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Walter Karlen
- Mobile Health Systems Lab, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jaap Swanenburg
- Integrative Spinal Research, Department of Chiropractic Medicine, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
- Directorate of Research and Education, Physiotherapy Occupational Therapy Research Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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