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Allen S, Rashid A, Adjani A, Akram M, Khan FS, Sherwani R, Khalil MT. Efficacy and safety of thermobalancing therapy with Dr Allen's Device for chronic low back pain: A randomised controlled trial. World J Orthop 2023; 14:878-888. [PMID: 38173805 PMCID: PMC10758594 DOI: 10.5312/wjo.v14.i12.878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lumbar disc herniation and non-specific low back pain are common conditions that seriously affect patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Although empirical evidence has demonstrated that novel Thermobalancing therapy and Dr Allen's Device can relieve chronic low back pain, there have been no randomised controlled trials for these indications. AIM To evaluate the efficacy of Dr Allen's Device in lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). METHODS A randomised clinical trial was conducted investigating 55 patients with chronic low back pain due to LDH (n = 28) or NSLBP (n = 27), out of which 15 were randomly assigned to the control group and 40 were assigned to the treatment group. The intervention was treatment with Dr Allen's Device for 3 mo. Changes in HRQoL were assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale and the Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Questionnaire. RESULTS Thermobalancing therapy with Dr Allen's Device showed a significant reduction in pain in the treatment group (P < 0.001), with no recorded adverse effects. Both pain assessment scales showed a significant improvement in patients' perception of pain indicating improvement in HRQoL. CONCLUSION The out-of-hospital use of Thermobalancing therapy with Dr Allen's Device for Low Back Treatment relieves chronic low back pain significantly and without adverse effects, improves the level of activity and HRQoL among patients with LDH and NSLBP. This study demonstrates the importance of this safe first-line therapy that can be used for effective at-home management of chronic low back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Allen
- Director and Head of Medical Research, Fine Treatment, Oxford OX2 7SL, United Kingdom
| | - Abid Rashid
- Director of Faculty of Medical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Ariana Adjani
- Senior Researcher, Fine Treatment, Oxford OX2 7SL, United Kingdom
| | - Muhammad Akram
- Department of Eastern Medicine, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Fahad Said Khan
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Poonch Rawalakot, Rawalakot 12350, Pakistan
| | - Rehan Sherwani
- College of Statistical and Actuarial Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Talha Khalil
- Department of Eastern Medicine, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
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Aljohani AA, Alarawi SM, Alhusayni YM, Alanazi RA, Alkonani AA, Alatawi BE, Abu Zayied IA, Alshammari MK, Alhawaiti AS, Abu Sabir SA, Alatawi AA. Prevalence of Low Back Pain Among University Attendants in Tabuk City During 2023: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2023; 15:e50357. [PMID: 38213335 PMCID: PMC10782188 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50357] [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] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND College students are at a higher risk of suffering low back pain (LBP). Assessing the magnitude of the problem and the associated risk factors can help reduce the suffering and disability in future doctors. AIM This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and related factors of LBP among medical students in the University of Tabuk and emphasize the need for targeted interventions that could help alleviate the burden of LBP among the students and improve their quality of life. METHODS This cross-sectional study used an online well-structured, self-report questionnaire to collect the respondents' data. The questionnaire explored the participants' sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, and the severity of LBP-related disability using the modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)) score. RESULTS The prevalence rate of LBP was 26.8%. The independent factors that significantly increased the probability of LBP included overweight/obesity (odds ratio (OR): 1.696, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.086 to 2.648, p = 0.020) and stretching exercises (OR: 1.784, 95% CI: 1.104 to 2.883, p = 0.018). The independent predictors that significantly increased the severity of ODI included married marital status (p = 0.007), back surgery (p = 0.031), and higher pain intensity (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS We found that the prevalence rate of LBP among our sample was around 26%. This rate is approximate to the rates reported in previous studies. Furthermore, the activities most affected by LBP were sitting, standing, and lifting. Future studies should explore other risk factors and attempt to determine the onset of pain. A longitudinal study design is recommended to identify the onset of developing LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saleem M Alarawi
- Family Medicine, Prince Sultan Armed Forces Hospital, Medina, SAU
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Alwashmi AH. Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Associated Factors Among Qassim University Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e44596. [PMID: 37795055 PMCID: PMC10546240 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44596] [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] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Low back pain (LBP) is a widespread and incapacitating issue that impacts a considerable portion of the adult population. Medical students, physicians, and other healthcare professionals have a high incidence of LBP. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of LBP among medical students at two medical colleges in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods Participants in this online cross-sectional study were medical students in two medical colleges at Qassim University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire and the Oswestry Disability Index were sent through a social media platform. SPSS was used to analyze the data with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results The data of 350 medical school students were evaluated. Most participants were males (n = 180, 51.4%), 21 to 23 years old (n = 190, 54.3%), first-year medical students (n = 108, 30.9%), and in the basic medical education phase (n = 228, 65.3%). LBP prevalence was 82%. We found that 72.6% (n = 254) of participants did not exercise or participate in outdoor sports. More than half of the participants reported using a computer or laptop for fewer than eight hours per day. LBP was significantly associated with BMI (F = 3.457, p = 0.017) and computer use duration (T = 3.695, p < 0.001). LBP was not significantly associated with age (F = 0.892, p = 0.411) or gender (T = 1.566, p = 0.118). More than 90% (n = 323) of students had no disability per the Oswestry Disability Index. Conclusion LBP was highly prevalent among medical students and more prevalent among females, though gender and LBP were not associated. LBP was associated with high BMI and prolonged computer usage. Stakeholders should work to raise students' awareness of LBP and methods to improve their lifestyles and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad H Alwashmi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, SAU
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Shekhar S, Rao R, Nirala SK, Naik BN, Singh C, Pandey S. Prevalence of acute low back pain with risk of long-term disability and its correlates among medical students: A cross-sectional study. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2023; 12:179. [PMID: 37404938 PMCID: PMC10317279 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_1460_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low back pain (LBP) is responsible for the highest number of years lived with disability globally. There is a paucity of data regarding the same among medical students. So, this study was planned to estimate the prevalence of acute LBP having a high propensity to develop into chronic one as well as to determine associated correlates among medical students. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 medical students at a tertiary hospital using an Acute Low Back Pain Screening Questionnaire (ALBPSQ) to identify individuals with LBP and having a high risk of developing a long-term disability. ALBPSQ is a 21-question-based biopsychosocial screening instrument for identifying patients at risk of chronicity. ALBPSQ scores have been found to be significantly associated with pain and functional disability. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multiple binary logistic regression have been performed through SPSS-22 software. RESULTS The prevalence of LBP having the propensity to develop into a long-term disability was found to be 14.3% (95% CI: 10.6-18.8). In bivariate analysis, higher age, no exercise, higher screen time, mental stress, studying in bed, abnormal posture, alcohol intake, tobacco use, positive family history, greater screen time per day, and more time spent in a sitting posture are significant with LBP. Stress ((adjusted odds ratio) AOR: 4.37, 95% CI: 1.79-10.68)), abnormally bent standing posture (AOR: 3.6, 95% CI: 1.3-10.6), and positive family of LBP (AOR: 3.6, 95% CI: 1.3-10.1) were found to be independent predictors of LBP among medical students. CONCLUSION Among medical students, every 15 out of 100 have a low back problem with chances of long-term disability. These students require early intervention to avoid long-term disability. Abnormal stooping posture, psychological stress, and positive family history of low pain might independently lead to LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saket Shekhar
- Department of Community Medicine, Rama Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rajath Rao
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Santosh Kumar Nirala
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Bijaya Nanda Naik
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Chandramani Singh
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Sanjay Pandey
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
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Dabbagh R, Alwatban L, Alrubaiaan M, Alharbi S, Aldahkil S, AlMuteb M, Alsahli N, Almutairi R. Depression, stress, anxiety and burnout among undergraduate and postgraduate medical trainees in Saudi Arabia over two decades: A systematic review. MEDICAL TEACHER 2023; 45:499-509. [PMID: 36355388 DOI: 10.1080/0142159x.2022.2139669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests physicians have higher rates of mental distress than other professionals. Although multiple studies have been conducted among Saudi medical trainees to address this issue, no reviews assessed multiple psychological problems simultaneously. We aimed to examine the prevalence and trends of depression, anxiety, burnout and stress among Saudi medical trainees. METHODS A systematic review was conducted searching PubMed/Medline, OVID, Scopus, PsychInfo, EBSCOhost and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) for studies addressing depression, burnout, stress and anxiety among Saudi medical trainees, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). Joanna Briggs Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to evaluate quality. The main findings were summarised in tables. RESULTS We identified 57 records from 2001 to 2020. Overall (mild, moderate or severe) depression ranged from 28% to 70.6%, while stress ranged from 30.5% to 90.7%. Burnout was primarily assessed among residents with an overall prevalence reaching 85.5%. Overall anxiety ranged from 52.7% to 67%, and was only assessed among undergraduates. Higher levels of all four mental conditions were reported among females. CONCLUSION This review suggests high prevalence of depression, stress, burnout and anxiety among medical trainees, with higher estimates for females compared to males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rufaidah Dabbagh
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lemmese Alwatban
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Sultan Alharbi
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahad Aldahkil
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona AlMuteb
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nora Alsahli
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rahaf Almutairi
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Wang Q, Shi P, He C, Yu H. Design and evaluation of a parallel mechanism for wearable lumbar support exoskeleton. Work 2023; 76:637-651. [PMID: 36872816 DOI: 10.3233/wor-211381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a serious problem, and manual material handling (MMH) tasks remain common in most industries. Thus, a lightweight and active exoskeleton is needed. OBJECTIVE A facile, convenient, multifunctional, wearable lumbar support exoskeleton (WLSE) was proposed to relieve the muscular tension and fatigue especially in the way of WMSDs. METHOD Based on the screw theory and virtual power principle, the parallel structure was used as the scheme choice for selecting suitable actuators and joints. The exoskeleton, which was characterized by high adaptability and complied with human motion, included branch unit, mechanism branch units, control units and sensors. Furthermore, using surface electromyography (sEMG) signal evaluation, an experiment which contains several tests was designed to evaluate whether WLSE had effect on supporting and reliving muscular fatigue while lifting-up different weight of objects under wearing without traction (T1) and wearing with traction (T2). RESULTS Data collected were analyzed statistically by the two-way ANOVA. It showed that the RMS of sEMG was obviously reduced while carrying the heavy objects with WLSE under T2, and the MF values always performed the decreasing trend in T2/T1. CONCLUSION This paper proposed a facile, convenient, multifunctional WLSE. From the results, it was concluded that the WLSE was significantly effective in reliving the muscle tension and muscle fatigue while lifting to prevent and treat WMSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Wang
- Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering and Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Shi
- Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering and Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen He
- Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering and Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongliu Yu
- Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering and Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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Lin Y, Zhang X, Li H, Huang Y, Zhang W, Zhang C. Musculoskeletal pain is prevalent in Chinese medical and dental students: A cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1046466. [PMID: 36504985 PMCID: PMC9730812 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1046466] [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: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is a major reason for consultation in primary care and is becoming increasingly prevalent among medical students. There is little research on the current situation of MSP among Chinese medical and dental students. Data on the analysis of risk factors related to MSP are also limited. The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of MSP among Chinese medical and dental students and to explore the risk factors for MSP and students' intent to seek medical treatment. Methods An anonymous, internet-based, cross-sectional, open survey was distributed to medical and dental students at Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China. Data on the demographic information and characteristics of MSP were collected and analyzed. In addition to descriptive statistics, logistic regression was used to analyze significant risk factors contributing to MSP. Results A total of 1,178 students responded to the survey (response rate = 79.6%), including 722 medical students and 456 dental students. The age ranged from 16 to 24. There were 553 male students and 625 female students. A total of 523 students reported neck pain (NP, 44.4%), 361 students reported low back pain (LBP, 30.6%), and 182 students reported joint pain (JP, 15.4%). Sixty-six students (5.6%) simultaneously suffered from NP, LBP, and JP. The prevalence of NP (49.1 vs. 41.4%, P = 0.01), LBP (34.6 vs. 28.1%, P = 0.02), and JP (20.2 vs. 12.5%, P < 0.001) was significantly higher in dental students than in medical students. The prevalence of MSP was significantly different among the academic years for NP and LBP (P = 0.02 and P < 0.001, respectively). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses demonstrated that female sex, PSS-10 score, and major of stomatology were risk factors for MSP. Medical and dental students' intention to seek treatment for MSP was low and was significantly associated with the severity of pain. Conclusions The prevalence of MSP in Chinese medical and dental students is high, especially for NP and LBP, and is significantly higher in dental students than in medical students. The prevalence of NP and LBP were significantly different among academic grades. Female sex, PSS-10 score, and major of stomatology were risk factors for MSP. Students' intent to seek treatment for MSP was very low and was determined by the severity of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunzhi Lin
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,Department of Stomatology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xuehui Zhang
- School of Health Management, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,Fujian Provincial Institute of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,Fujian Provincial Institute of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wenming Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,Fujian Provincial Institute of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chaofan Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,Fujian Provincial Institute of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,*Correspondence: Chaofan Zhang
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Samarah OQ, Maden HA, Sanwar BO, Farhad AP, Alomoush F, Alawneh A, Hadidi FA, Bashaireh K, Hammad YS. Musculoskeletal pain among medical students at two Jordanian universities. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2022; 36:429-436. [PMID: 36120767 DOI: 10.3233/bmr-220065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is a debilitating multi-perceptual condition afflicting many individuals, especially individuals in the medical profession. OBJECTIVE To analyze and evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among medical students at Jordanian universities during the complete virtual learning process. METHODS A cross-sectional study of 593 medical students at two Jordanian universities was conducted. A modified Nordic questionnaire was used to assess musculoskeletal pain in three body regions. RESULTS Five hundred ninety-three students at the two Jordanian universities participated in this study. The prevalence of having MSK pain during the past week in the neck, shoulder, and lower back was 34.6%, 27%, and 41%, respectively; during the past 12 months, it was 61.2%, 45.5%, and 63.1%, respectively. Overall prevalence of having MSK pain was 58.9% in the last week and 78.1% in the past 12 months. 66.8% of students who had psychosomatic symptoms and 62.3% of those with depressive symptoms in the past week had MSK pain. Students who studied 8 hours per day had higher percentages of MSK pain (68.4%) (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.965-1.312). The average number of hours using a computer per day was significantly associated with MSK pain (p= 0.032). MSK pain during the last week was significantly associated with psychosomatic symptoms (OR 1.842, 95% CI 1.272-2.668, p= 0.001). Family history of MSK pain was significantly related to the presence of the problem in participants (OR 1.732, 95% CI 1.182-2.538, p= 0.005). Gender, depressive symptoms, average hours of computer use per day, and average hours of study at home per day did not show significant relationships with MSK pain over the year. CONCLUSIONS High prevalence of MSK pain was observed among medical students. Measures to balance in-person and virtual learning should be considered in medical schools to minimize the risk of MSK pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Q Samarah
- Department of Special Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hana A Maden
- School of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | | | | | - Anas Alawneh
- School of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Fadi Al Hadidi
- Department of Special Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Khaldoon Bashaireh
- Department of Special Surgery, College of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.,Medical Faculty, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Yazan S Hammad
- Department of Special Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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