Comparison of muscle tightness between knees in individuals with unilateral osteoarthritis and its relationship with pain and function

BACKGROUND

Unilateral osteoarthritis (OA) affects single knees and presents a unique scenario where individuals experience varying degrees of symptoms between their affected and unaffected knees.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate differences in muscle tightness between symptomatic and asymptomatic knees in individuals with unilateral knee OA while exploring the interplay among pain, functionality, and muscle tightness.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, thirty knee OA patients underwent assessments for hamstring (Active Knee Extension, Straight Leg Raise), iliotibial band (Ober Test), and quadriceps tightness (Modified Thomas Test). Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and functional limitations were evaluated via the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).

RESULTS

A negative correlation was observed between participants' pain and AKE (p= 0.004, r=-0.515), ASLR (p= 0.27, r=-0.403), Ober (p= 0.010, r=-0.461) values. However, no significant correlation was found with the Modified Thomas value (p= 0.204, r=-0.239). There was also a negative correlation between participants' WOMAC scores and AKE (p= 0.019, r=-0.427), OBER (p= 0.004, r=-0.510), and Modified Thomas (p= 0.022, r=-0.416) values, while ASLR (p= 0.286, r=-0.202) values showed no significant correlation. Comparisons between AKE, Ober, and Modified Thomas values showed higher values in asymptomatic extremities (AKE: p= 0.025, Ober: p= 0.021, Modified Thomas: p= 0.030).

CONCLUSION

This study emphasizes the significance of muscle tightness in the symptomatic extremities of individuals with unilateral knee OA. The results indicate that increased muscle tightness makes pain worse and limits movement. It's crucial for healthcare providers treating OA to focus on improving muscle flexibility, reducing pain, and enhancing overall function.

The relationship between lower extremity muscle tightness and pain and disability in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain

BACKGROUND

Low back pain is a common health issue, and such pains are often associated with muscle tightness. Understanding the link between lower back pain and tight lower extremity muscles is essential for effective pain management and enhanced quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between lower extremity muscle tightness and pain and disability in individuals with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP).

METHODS

A total of 52 individuals with NSLBP were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Lower extremity muscle tightness was assessed using various clinical tests, including the Active Knee Extension Test, Active Straight Leg Raise, Ober Test, and Modified Thomas Test. Pain intensity and disability were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale and the Oswestry Disability Index, respectively. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess the correlation between muscle tightness, pain, and disability.

RESULTS

The study found weak to moderate negative correlations between lower extremity muscle tightness and both pain intensity and disability in individuals with NSLBP (r: -0.287 to -0.526, p <  0.05). Dominant and non-dominant extremities exhibited differences in muscle flexibility, with the dominant extremity showing greater flexibility (p <  0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In individuals with NSLBP, lower extremity muscle tightness is closely related to pain severity and disability. These findings suggest that lower extremity muscle tightness plays a significant role in the severity of low back pain and disabilities. Additionally, the observed flexibility difference between dominant and non-dominant extremities warrants further investigation for more personalized treatment approaches.

Comparison and Relationship of Quadriceps Femoris Angle, Muscle Strength, and Balance in Athletes and Non-Athletes

Objective

Q-angle is an important parameter to assess quadriceps muscle's function and its effect on knee. The present study aims to investigate the potential relationships between Q-angle, muscle strength, and balance in both athlete and non-athlete populations.

Methods

Fifty-six athletes and non-athletes aged between 18 and 20 were included in this cross-sectional study. The Q-angle of each participant was measured using a universal goniometer. Muscle strength was evaluated using hand-held dynamometer, and static and dynamic balance were assessed using the one-leg stand test and Y balance test, respectively.

Results

Our findings revealed that athletes had a significantly smaller Q angle than non-athletes (p < 0.05). Furthermore, male participants had both higher muscle strength and better static balance with eyes closed than female participants (p < 0.05). Similarly, athletes had both higher muscle strength and better static balance than non-athletes (p < 0.05). Moreover, we found that the dominant limb had a significantly smaller Q angle than the non-dominant limb (p < 0.05). However, we did not observe a significant relationship between Q angle and dynamic balance (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that individuals who participate in sports have lower Q angle values than those who do not participate in sports. Additionally, gender differences may exist in muscle strength and static balance. Furthermore, the Q angle was found to be lower in the non-dominant extremity compared to the dominant extremity. Finally, our study revealed a significant association between Q angle and knee muscle strength and static balance. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these relationships.

Acute effects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization technique on pain and joint position error in individuals with chronic neck pain: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE/AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the acute effects of IASTM on cervical joint position error and pain in individuals with chronic neck pain.

METHODS

A total of 39 individuals with chronic neck pain were included in this study. Participants were randomized into three groups: Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization(IASTM (n = 13), sham (n = 13), and control (n = 13). In the IASTM group, intervention was applied to the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles with an application time of 45 s and a frequency of 60 beats/min. In the sham group, IASTM was applied at a 90° angle without pressure. The control group did not receive any intervention. The pain severity and joint position error(JPE) were evaluated before and after the intervention, by using the visual analogue scale and a cervical range of motion device.

RESULTS

The effects of time and treatment group on visual analogue scale(VAS) score were statistically significant (p = .001). Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization was more effective in VAS score than sham and control group (p < .001). Significant improvement was found in JPE in all range of motions of the cervical region in the instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization group (p < .05). In the sham group, significant improvements were observed in cervical extension, left rotation, and left lateral flexion movements in JPE during each cervical spine active movement (p < .05). Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization group was more effective in JPE all directions than sham and control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization may be a useful technique in individuals with chronic neck pain. Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization decreases VAS and improves JPE.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04882397 (05 August 2021).

Effects of Different Exercises on Respiratory Parameters: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study was designed to compare the effects of core stabilisation (CS) and auxiliary respiratory muscle strengthening exercises on oxygen consumption and respiratory parameters. A total of 51 participants were divided into three groups with block randomization method according to age and gender: CS Group (n = 17), Auxiliary Respiratory Muscles Exercise (ARM) Group (n = 17) and Control (C) Group (n = 17). Maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂ max), first second of forced expiration (FEV1)/Forced vital capacity (FVC) and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) values were evaluated before and after the study. CS and ARM strengthening exercises were applied 3 days a week for 6 weeks. The increase in the FEV1/VC values was higher in the CS and ARM groups than in the C group (p < 0.05), whereas no statistically significant difference was observed between the ARM and CS groups (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of VO₂ max values before and after the study (p > 0.05). The increase in the MVV values was higher in the CS and ARM groups than in the C group (p < 0.05), whereas no statistically significant difference was observed between the ARM and CS groups (p > 0.05). CS and ARM exercises had positive effects on FEV1/FVC and MVV.

Effect of Aerobic Exercise on the Levels of Pain, Quality of Life, and Alexithymia in Alexithymic Individuals With Chronic Pain: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on pain, degree of alexithymia, and quality of life in individuals with alexithymia and chronic pain.

METHODS

A total of 40 participants who scored 61 or higher on the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20) were included in the study. The sample was subdivided into 2 groups using a computerized randomization program: an aerobic exercise group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). Participants in the aerobic exercise group underwent a 30-minute jogging protocol at 60% to 90% of maximum heart rate 3 days per week for 8 weeks under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Participants in the control group continued their daily physical activities. Outcome measures were the TAS-20, visual analog scale, Graded Chronic Pain Scale, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between the demographics of the 2 groups (P > .05). There was a statistically significant improvement in TAS-20, Graded Chronic Pain Scale, visual analog scale, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores of the participants in the aerobic exercise group compared to the control group (P ˂ .05).

CONCLUSION

Aerobic exercise had a positive effect on pain, quality of life, and degree of alexithymia in individuals with alexithymia and chronic pain.

A randomized controlled trial on pain, grip strength, and functionality in lateral elbow pain: Mulligan vs muscle energy techniques

BACKGROUND

Lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) is one of the most common lesions of the upper extremity. The level of evidence from studies on LET treatment protocols is insufficient.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of mobilization with movement (MWM) and muscle energy technique (MET) on pain, grip strength, and functionality in patients diagnosed with LET.

METHODS

Forty-five patients with LET aged 30-55 years were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into three groups: MWM, MET, and control group. The control group received a 4-week home exercise program. In addition to the home exercise program in the MWM group, 12 sessions of MWM and 12 sessions of MET were performed in the MET group. Participants' pain, grip strength, and functionality were assessed before and after the study.

RESULTS

After the treatment period, greater improvement in pain, grip strength, finger strength, and functionality were observed in the MWM and MET groups than in the control group (p< 0.05), but no statistically significant difference was found between the MWM and MET groups (p> 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that MWM and MET, used in addition to home exercises, can be used to relieve pain and increase grip strength, finger strength, and functionality.