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Wang XQ, Wang YL, Witchalls J, Han J, Zhang ZJ, Page P, Zhu Y, Stecco C, Lin JH, El-Ansary D, Ma QS, Qi Q, Oh JS, Zhang WM, Pranata A, Wan L, Li K, Ma M, Liao LR, Zhu YL, Guo JW, Chen PJ. Physical therapy for acute and sub-acute low back pain: A systematic review and expert consensus. Clin Rehabil 2024; 38:715-731. [PMID: 38317586 DOI: 10.1177/02692155241229398] [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] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the effectiveness of different physical therapies for acute and sub-acute low back pain supported by evidence, and create clinical recommendations and expert consensus for physiotherapists on clinical prescriptions. DATA SOURCES A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and the Cochrane Library for studies published within the previous 15 years. REVIEW METHODS Systematic review and meta-analysis, randomized controlled trials assessing patients with acute and sub-acute low back pain were included. Two reviewers independently screened relevant studies using the same inclusion criteria. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database and the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews tool were used to grade the quality assessment of randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, respectively. The final recommendation grades were based on the consensus discussion results of the Delphi of 22 international experts. RESULTS Twenty-one systematic reviews and 21 randomized controlled trials were included. Spinal manipulative therapy and low-level laser therapy are recommended for acute low back pain. Core stability exercise/motor control, spinal manipulative therapy, and massage can be used to treat sub-acute low back pain. CONCLUSIONS The consensus statements provided medical staff with appliable recommendations of physical therapy for acute and sub-acute low back pain. This consensus statement will require regular updates after 5-10 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Qiang Wang
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Ling Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jeremy Witchalls
- Research Institute for Sports and Exercise, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
| | - Jia Han
- College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Jie Zhang
- Rehabilitation Therapy Center, Henan Luoyang Orthopedic Hospital (Henan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital), Luoyang, China
| | - Phillip Page
- Franciscan University, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Pain and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Carla Stecco
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Jian-Hua Lin
- Department of Rehabilitation Therapy, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Doa El-Ansary
- Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Quan-Sheng Ma
- Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Qi
- Department of Rehabilitation Therapy, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jae-Seop Oh
- Department of Physical Therapy, INJE University, Gimhae, Republic of Korea
| | - Wei-Ming Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Adrian Pranata
- Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Li Wan
- Rehabilitation Center, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kui Li
- Department of the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ming Ma
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin-Rong Liao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Yixing JORU Rehabilitation Hospital, Wuxi, China
| | - Yu-Lian Zhu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Wei Guo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Pei-Jie Chen
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
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O'Connell N, Moore RA, Stewart G, Fisher E, Hearn L, Eccleston C, Wewege M, De C Williams AC. Trials We Cannot Trust: Investigating Their Impact on Systematic Reviews and Clinical Guidelines in Spinal Pain. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2023; 24:2103-2130. [PMID: 37453533 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
We previously conducted an exploration of the trustworthiness of a group of clinical trials of cognitive-behavioral therapy and exercise in spinal pain. We identified multiple concerns in 8 trials, judging them untrustworthy. In this study, we systematically explored the impact of these trials ("index trials") on results, conclusions, and recommendations of systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). We conducted forward citation tracking using Google Scholar and the citationchaser tool, searched the Guidelines International Network library and National Institute of Health and Care Excellence archive to June 2022 to identify systematic reviews and CPGs. We explored how index trials impacted their findings. Where reviews presented meta-analyses, we extracted or conducted sensitivity analyses for the outcomes of pain and disability, to explore how the exclusion of index trials affected effect estimates. We developed and applied an 'Impact Index' to categorize the extent to which index studies impacted their results. We included 32 unique reviews and 10 CPGs. None directly raised concerns regarding the veracity of the trials. Across meta-analyses (55 comparisons), the removal of index trials reduced effect sizes by a median of 58% (Inter Quartlie Range (IQR) 40-74). 85% of comparisons were classified as highly, 3% as moderately, and 11% as minimally impacted. Nine out of 10 reviews conducting narrative synthesis drew positive conclusions regarding the intervention tested. Nine out of 10 CPGs made positive recommendations for the intervention(s) evaluated. This cohort of trials, with concerns regarding trustworthiness, has substantially impacted the results of systematic reviews and guideline recommendations. PERSPECTIVE: We found that a group of trials of CBT for spinal pain with concerns relating to their trustworthiness has had substantial impacts on the analyses and conclusions of systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines. This highlights the need for a greater focus on the trustworthiness of studies in evidence appraisal. PRE-REGISTRATION: Our protocol was preregistered on the Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/m92ax/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil O'Connell
- Centre for Health and Wellbeing Across the Lifecourse, Department of Health Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | | | - Gavin Stewart
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle, UK
| | - Emma Fisher
- Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, UK
| | - Leslie Hearn
- Cochrane Pain, Palliative and Supportive Care Review Group, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK
| | - Christopher Eccleston
- Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, UK; Department of Psychology, University of Helsinki, Finland; Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium, Finland
| | - Michael Wewege
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amanda C De C Williams
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational & Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
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Monticone M. Untrustworthiness of trial data on spinal pain: a stigmatizing investigation to take with many a grain of salt. Pain 2023; 164:e237-e239. [PMID: 36940398 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Monticone
- Department Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy
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O'Connell NE, Moore RA, Stewart G, Fisher E, Hearn L, Eccleston C, Williams ACDC. Reply to Monticone. Pain 2023; 164:e239-e241. [PMID: 36940399 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Neil Edward O'Connell
- Centre for Health and Wellbeing Across the Lifecourse, Department of Health Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Gavin Stewart
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Fisher
- Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Leslie Hearn
- Cochrane Pain, Palliative and Supportive Care Review Group, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Amanda C de C Williams
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Investigating the veracity of a sample of divergent published trial data in spinal pain. Pain 2023; 164:72-83. [PMID: 35470336 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Evidence-based medicine is replete with studies assessing quality and bias, but few evaluating research integrity or trustworthiness. A recent Cochrane review of psychological interventions for chronic pain identified trials with a shared lead author with highly divergent results. We sought to systematically identify all similar trials from this author to explore their risk of bias, governance procedures, and trustworthiness. We searched OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and PEDro from 2010 to December 22, 2021 for trials. We contacted the authors requesting details of trial registration, ethical approval, protocol, and access to the trial data for verification. We used the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth group's Trustworthiness Screening Tool to guide systematic exploration of trustworthiness. Ten trials were included: 9 compared cognitive behavioural therapy and physical exercise to usual care, exercise alone, or physiotherapy and 1 compared 2 brief cognitive behavioural therapy programmes. Eight trials reported results divergent from the evidence base. Assessment of risk of bias and participant characteristics identified no substantial concerns. Responses from the lead author did not satisfactorily explain this divergence. Trustworthiness screening identified concerns about research governance, data plausibility at baseline, the results, and apparent data duplication. We discuss the findings within the context of methods for establishing the trustworthiness of research findings generally. Important concerns regarding the trustworthiness of these trials reduce our confidence in them. They should probably not be used to inform the results and conclusions of systematic reviews, in clinical training, policy documents, or any relevant instruction regarding adult chronic pain management.
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Bernaers L, Cnockaert E, Braeckman L, Mairiaux P, Willems TM. Disability and return to work after a multidisciplinary intervention for (sub)acute low back pain: A systematic review. Clin Rehabil 2022; 37:964-974. [DOI: 10.1177/02692155221146447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Objective This systematic review aimed to examine pain, functional status and return to work after a multidisciplinary intervention, with or without additional workplace intervention, for (sub)acute low back pain among adults. Data sources A comprehensive search was completed (November 2022) in six electronic databases (Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane, CENTRAL and Scopus) and in the reference list of all identified studies. Review methods The search results were screened against predefined eligibility criteria by two independent researchers. Included articles were systematic reviews or randomized controlled trials examining the effect of a multidisciplinary intervention, with or without workplace intervention, in working adults with (sub)acute low back pain. Relevant information was summarized and clustered, and the methodological quality and certainty of evidence were assessed respectively using the RoB 2-tool, the ROBIS tool and the GRADE criteria. Results The search resulted in a total of 3020 articles. After the screening process, 12 studies remained (11 randomized controlled trials and 1 systematic review), which studied overall 2751 patients, with a follow-up period of at least 12 months. Conclusions A multidisciplinary intervention is favorable compared to usual care for pain intensity and functional status but this is less clear for return to work. Comparable work-related effects were found when comparing a multidisciplinary intervention with a less extensive intervention, whereas uncertainties exist regarding outcomes of pain intensity and functional status. Furthermore, adding a workplace intervention to usual care and subdividing patients based on work-related characteristics seems beneficial for return to work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Bernaers
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elise Cnockaert
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Pain in Motion International Research Group, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lutgart Braeckman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Philippe Mairiaux
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
- Federal Agency for Occupational Risks, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tine Marieke Willems
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Negrini S, Ceravolo MG, Ferriero G. Trust/untrust is not the same as true/false. Lessons learned and ethical questions on the application of untrustworthiness scales to judge individuals. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med 2022; 58:888-891. [PMID: 36326819 PMCID: PMC10087099 DOI: 10.23736/s1973-9087.22.07767-x] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This special paper reflects on trustworthiness and its implications for scientific medical journals and all the communities they serve: health professionals, policymakers, the public, and a specific discipline, in our case, Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. We start from a recent episode: a paper claimed the untrustworthiness of two randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in the European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine based on a newly developed trustworthiness scale, used until now only in systematic reviews. This likely represents the first case of applying such a scale focusing on a single leading author. Developing a proper answer to this case led us to present some insights from the perspective of a Journal editor. We discuss the impact of false research results, why trust is needed in science and medicine, the difference between untrust and false results, the problems in judging trustworthiness, the unfortunately weak capacity of the peer review system in preventing these issues, the problems of "post-hoc" judgements and the emerging ethical issues. We conclude with some suggestions for the future based on prevention at the system level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Negrini
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University "La Statale", Milan, Italy -
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy -
| | - Maria G Ceravolo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, "Politecnica delle Marche" University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giorgio Ferriero
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Unit, Scientific Institute of Tradate, IRCCS, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Tradate, Varese, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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Patterson T, Beckenkamp P, Ferreira M, Bauman A, Carvalho-E-Silva AP, Ferreira LC, Ferreira P. The impact of different intensities and domains of physical activity on analgesic use and activity limitation in people with low back pain: a prospective cohort study with a one-year follow-up. Eur J Pain 2022; 26:1636-1649. [PMID: 35642334 PMCID: PMC9544541 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Analgesics are the most common form of managing low back pain (LBP). No previous study has examined which domains and intensities of physical activity are most beneficial in reducing the frequency of analgesic use for LBP, and its related activity limitation. METHODS This cohort study forms part of the AUstralian Twin low BACK pain study, investigating the impact of physical activity on LBP. Information on demographics, LBP and health-related factors, including physical activity were collected at baseline. Data on the total counts of analgesic use and activity limitation for LBP were collected weekly for one-year. Negative binomial regression models were conducted separately for each type of physical activity. Results were presented as Incidence Rate Ratios (IRR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI). RESULTS From an initial sample of 366 participants, 86 participants reported counts of analgesic use and 140 recorded counts of activity limitation across the follow up period. The negative binomial regression models for analgesic use counts indicated moderate-vigorous physical activity (IRR 0·97, 95% C.I 0·96-0·99) and physical workload (IRR 1·02, 95% C.I 1·01-1·05) to be significant. For activity limitation counts, significant associations were shown for sedentary time (IRR 1·04, 95% C.I 1·01-1·09) and leisure activity (IRR 0·94, 95% C.I 0·81-0·99). CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the potential importance of supporting engagement in moderate-vigorous and leisure physical activity, as well as minimising sedentary time and physical workload to reduce the risk of activity limitation and the need for analgesic use in people with LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Patterson
- The University of Sydney, Discipline of Physiotherapy, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Susan Walking Building D18 Western Avenue, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Paula Beckenkamp
- The University of Sydney, Discipline of Physiotherapy, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Susan Walking Building D18 Western Avenue, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Manuela Ferreira
- The University of Sydney, Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, School of Health Sciences, The Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Kolling Building, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Adrian Bauman
- The University of Sydney, Public Health, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Edward Ford Building A27 Fisher Rd, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Ana Paula Carvalho-E-Silva
- The University of Sydney, Public Health, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Edward Ford Building A27 Fisher Rd, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Lucas Calais Ferreira
- The University of Melbourne, Twins Research Australia Unit, School of Population and Global Health, 207 Bouverie St, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Paulo Ferreira
- The University of Sydney, Discipline of Physiotherapy, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Susan Walking Building D18 Western Avenue, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Athlete Fear Avoidance Questionnaire in Italian university athletes with musculoskeletal injuries. Int J Rehabil Res 2022; 45:223-229. [DOI: 10.1097/mrr.0000000000000532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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