The Mediation Effect of Pain on the Relationship between Kinesiophobia and Lumbar Joint Position Sense in Chronic Low Back Pain Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study

Joint position sense testing at the wrist and its correlations with kinesiophobia and pain intensity in individuals who have sustained a distal radius fracture: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Sensorimotor impairment following distal radius fracture (DRF) has been associated with a significant decline in function. Joint position sense (JPS) testing is a meaningful and responsive way to assess sensorimotor impairment for individuals who have sustained a DRF; however, there are factors that may influence the results of JPS testing, including kinesiophobia and pain intensity.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the influence kinesiophobia may have on wrist JPS testing and if pain intensity impacts kinesiophobia and JPS in individuals with a DRF.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Participants referred from two medical centers with a diagnosis of DRF treated with at least 3 weeks of immobilization were enrolled in the study. Data were collected at 1 week and 6 weeks postimmobilization period. Demographics were summarized with descriptive statistics, and linear relationships between kinesiophobia, pain intensity, and wrist JPS were examined using Pearson correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

Forty-eight participants were included in this study (mean age 42.9 years). Significant positive correlations were found between the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS; r = 0.951, p < 0.001), TSK and JPS error (r = 0.942, p < 0.001), as well as NRS and JPS error (r = 0.898, p < 0.001). These correlations indicate that higher levels of kinesiophobia are associated with increased pain intensity and greater JPS error. T-tests reveal no significant difference between male and female for the TSK, NRS, or JPS scores.

CONCLUSIONS

There is an association for individuals with high levels of kinesiophobia and both greater pain and errors with JPS testing.

Exploring the Interplay of Muscular Endurance, Functional Balance, and Limits of Stability: A Comparative Study in Individuals with Lumbar Spondylosis Using a Computerized Stabilometric Force Platform

Lumbar spondylosis, characterized by degenerative changes in the lumbar spine, often leads to pain, reduced spinal stability, and musculoskeletal dysfunction. Understanding the impact of lumbar spondylosis on musculoskeletal function, particularly lumbar extensor endurance, functional balance, and limits of stability, is crucial for improving the management and well-being of affected individuals. This study aimed to assess lumbar extensor endurance, functional balance, and limits of stability in individuals with lumbar spondylosis compared to age-matched healthy individuals and explore the correlations among these parameters within the lumbar spondylosis group. The lumbar spondylosis group consisted of 60 individuals initially screened by an orthopedician and referred to physical therapy. Age-matched healthy controls (n = 60) were recruited. Inclusion criteria encompassed adults aged 45-70 years for both groups. Lumbar extensor endurance was assessed using the Sorensen test, functional balance with the Berg Balance Scale, and limits of stability using a computerized stabilometric force platform. Lumbar extensor endurance was significantly lower in individuals with lumbar spondylosis compared to healthy controls (23.06 s vs. 52.45 s, p < 0.001). Functional balance, as assessed by the Berg Balance Scale, demonstrated a significant decrement in the lumbar spondylosis group (48.36 vs. 53.34, p < 0.001). Additionally, limits of stability variables, under both eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions, exhibited marked impairments in the lumbar spondylosis group (p < 0.001 for all variables). Within the lumbar spondylosis group, lumbar extensor endurance exhibited significant positive correlations with functional balance (0.46, p < 0.001) and negative correlations with limits of stability variables (r ranging from -0.38 to -0.49, p < 0.01 for all variables). This study underscores the significance of addressing lumbar extensor endurance, functional balance, and stability impairments in the comprehensive management of lumbar spondylosis.

A Cross-Sectional Study Investigating Lumbar Proprioception Impairments in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Correlations with Glycated Hemoglobin Levels

Impaired proprioception is a recognized complication in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), contributing to balance deficits and increased risk of falls. However, limited research has focused on lumbar proprioception in this population. This study aimed to investigate lumbar proprioception in individuals with T2DM, as well as healthy individuals. Additionally, this study aimed to examine the correlation between lumbar proprioception and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, which is a marker of long-term glycemic control in T2DM. A cross-sectional study was conducted, comparing lumbar joint reposition errors (JRE) between a T2DM group (n = 85) and a healthy group (n = 85). Lumbar JRE was assessed in flexion, extension, lateral bending left, and lateral bending right using a dual inclinometer device. HbA1c levels were measured as an indicator of glycemic control. Significant differences in lumbar JRE were found between the T2DM and healthy groups, with individuals with T2DM exhibiting larger JRE values, indicating impaired lumbar proprioception (p < 0.001). The correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between HbA1c levels and lumbar JRE. Higher HbA1c levels were correlated with greater joint JRE in flexion (r = 0.49, p < 0.001), extension (r = 0.51, p < 0.001), left lateral bending (r = 0.45, p < 0.001), and right lateral bending (r = 0.48, p < 0.001) in the T2DM group. This study provides evidence of impaired lumbar proprioception in individuals with T2DM, as evidenced by larger lumbar JRE compared to the healthy group.

Shoulder Proprioception and Its Correlation with Pain Intensity and Functional Disability in Individuals with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome-A Cross-Sectional Study

Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SAIS) is a common shoulder condition characterized by pain and functional impairment. Proprioception, the sense of joint position and movement, is crucial in maintaining joint stability and coordinating movements. The relationship between shoulder proprioception, pain intensity, and functional disability in individuals with SAIS remains unclear, with conflicting findings in the literature. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate shoulder proprioception, examine its correlation with pain intensity and functional disability, and contribute to our understanding of the clinical implications of proprioceptive deficits in individuals with SAIS. Forty-two individuals were diagnosed with SAIS, and an equal number of asymptomatic controls were recruited. Shoulder proprioception was assessed using a digital inclinometer, measuring joint position sense at various angles of flexion and rotation. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and functional disability was assessed using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Results: Individuals with SAIS exhibited significantly higher joint position error (JPE) values compared to asymptomatic controls in all measured angles of flexion and rotation (p < 0.001). Strong positive correlations were observed between JPE and pain intensity (r = 0.61 to 0.71, p < 0.01) and disability (r = 0.56 to 0.68, p < 0.01). These findings suggest impaired shoulder proprioception is associated with higher pain intensity and functional disability in SAIS. This study provides evidence of impaired shoulder proprioception in individuals with SAIS and its correlation with pain intensity and functional disability. The results highlight the clinical relevance of proprioceptive deficits in SAIS and emphasize the importance of incorporating proprioceptive assessment and targeted rehabilitation interventions into managing this condition. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies with larger and more diverse samples to further understand the underlying mechanisms and evaluate the effectiveness of proprioceptive interventions in improving outcomes for individuals with SAIS.