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Although consensus has been reached about the use of therapeutic exercise in patellofemoral pain syndrome, several techniques used worldwide such as radiofrequency diathermy could be useful as complementary therapy. The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to compare the effects of adding radiofrequency diathermy to therapeutic exercises in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Fifty-six participants were randomly assigned either to radiofrequency diathermy plus therapeutic exercises group (n = 29) or therapeutic exercises group (n = 27). Both groups received the same therapeutic exercises, and the diathermy group additionally received monopolar dielectric diathermy for three weeks (5–3–2 weekly sessions). Data related to intensity of pain, probability of neuropathic pain, functionality, and range of movement of the knee were measured at baseline and three weeks after the intervention. Comparing pre-treatment and values obtained at the third week, significant improvements were found in intensity of pain, neuropathic pain, functionality, and range of motion in both groups (p < 0.05). The diathermy plus exercises group had significantly better intensity of pain than the control group at the end of the three weeks (p < 0.01). The addition of diathermy by emission of radiofrequency to the therapeutic knee exercise protocol is more effective than a therapeutic exercise protocol alone in the relief of intensity of pain in patients with patellofemoral pain in the immediate post-treatment follow-up compared with baseline scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fecal incontinence is a condition that carries high social stigmatization and a determining factor in the quality of life of the person who suffers from it. Its etiology is multifactorial and treatment includes surgical and conservative measures, including stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve. The aim of this review is to determine whether posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is more effective than other treatments in reducing episodes of fecal incontinence in adults. A systematic review of randomized clinical trials that analyzed different approaches and comparisons with other treatments in adults without neurological or metabolic diseases was carried out, analyzing, fundamentally, the reduction of episodes of fecal incontinence. In general, a reduction in fecal incontinence episodes is observed in the experimental groups compared with the control groups, although these differences are not significant in most studies. The results regarding the effectiveness of PTNS in reducing episodes of fecal incontinence compared to other treatments are not entirely conclusive, although benefits are observed regarding the stimulation of sacral roots. More well-designed studies with a long-term follow-up of the results are needed so that the recommendation of this treatment can be generalized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the efficacy of extracorporeal shock waves versus corticosteroids injections on pain, thickness of plantar fascia and foot function in patients with plantar fasciitis. Secondarily, to assess the efficacy of radial and focused extracorporeal shock waves and the most appropriated intensity (high, medium or low). Data sources: PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL and PEDro, until April 2024, according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Review methods: Randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy of extracorporeal shock waves versus corticosteroids injections on pain intensity and sensitivity, thickness of plantar fascia and foot function in patients with plantar fasciitis. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using PEDro Scale and Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Pooled effect was calculated using the standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Results: Sixteen studies involving 1121 patients, showing a mean of 6 points in PEDro scale, were included. At three months, extracorporeal shock waves were better than corticosteroids injections in reducing pain (SMD −0.6; 95%CI −1.1 to −0.11) and thickness of the plantar fascia (SMD −0.4; 95%CI −0.8 to −0.01) and increasing foot function (SMD 0.27; 95%CI 0.12–0.44). At six months, extracorporeal shock waves are more effective in reducing pain (SMD −0.81; 95%CI −1.6 to −0.06) and increasing foot function (SMD 0.67; 95%CI 0.45–0.89). Local pain and slight erythema were the most frequent adverse events. Conclusions: Extracorporeal shock waves are a safe therapy, presenting more efficacy than corticosteroids injections in improving pain, thickness of plantar fascia and foot function at mid-term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim was to find the best evidence on the prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis (IS) in subjects with eye diseases (EDs) and to determine the most common visual alterations that are present. Following the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA), a bibliographic search up to June 2023 in the PubMed, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, and CINAHL Complete databases was performed. Observational studies were selected and the results were analyzed with prevalence odds ratio (OR). A total of six studies, including 18,396 subjects, were selected. The group of subjects with EDs was made up of 6048 individuals, of whom 655 (10.83%) had IS. The group of subjects without EDs was made up of 12,348 individuals of whom 444 (3.60%) presented with IS with an OR = 2.91, CI (95%) = [1.75, 4.83]. Blindness was assessed in a single study with an OR = 7.83, CI (95%) = [1.66, 36.90]; all three studies in the refractive error subgroup yielded an OR = 2.24, CI (95%) = [1.10, 4.58]; and the two studies that included subjects with strabismus showed an OR = 3.09, CI (95%) = [1.38, 7.00]. EDs were associated with an almost three times greater odds of having IS. We recommend the inclusion of vision testing in children with IS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basketball is a team sport in which players perform multidirectional movements, jumps and landings, experiencing abrupt accelerations and decelerations and numerous changes of rhythm. In this sport, speed and intensity are two key factors that are associated with an increased risk of injury. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to determine the effectiveness of a specific gluteus maximus strength programme as preventive work for young female basketball players, to improve dynamic postural stability and to observe its impact in the rate of lower limb injuries, vertical jump, dynamic knee valgus and pain. Is effective a strength programme to improve dynamic postural stability, vertical jump and dynamic valgus in female basketball players? A hundred and thirteen female basketball players that play in professional clubs were recruited, reaching the final stage 92 (46 per group). One group (CG) received conventional injury prevention training while the experimental group (EG) added to the conventional team prevention program, a gluteus maximus strength programme of 5 months composed of 4 exercises/2 days per week/2 sets of 10 repetitions per leg. The total injury incidence decreased from 0.33 to 0.16 cases (control group pre=0.43 to post=0.14 cases, EG pre=022 to post=0.19). The EG improved overall (p = 0.000), posterior (p = 0.001), posteromedial (p = 0.001) and posterolateral (p = 0.000) dynamic stability of the right leg; anterior (p = 0.024), medial (p = 0.07) and posteromedial (p = 0.01) of the left leg. Both groups improved vertical jump (GC: p = 0.045 and GE: p = 0.000). There was no significant improvement in pain or valgus. This strength programme is effective in improving dynamic stability especially of the dominant leg and jump height. • Gluteus maximus strength training improves jump height in female basketball players. • Dominant leg posteromedial and posterolateral dynamic stability get increased by gluteus maximus strength training. • A strength training program is not enough by itself to reduce lower limbs injuries in female basketball players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Despite high incidence rate of cellulite, there are few studies regarding its treatment. Most of them present non-validated evaluation tools. Radio frequency is a focused treatment very used in aesthetics to reduce it.Objectives: To know the efficacy of Monopolar Dielectric Radio frequency (MDR) treatment in dynamic applications to reduce cellulite, panniculus adiposus and gluteal and posterior thigh regions.Methods: Experimental study consisting of inferior members of nine women. They received 10 sessions based on dynamic applications of MDR. Variables included the following: Cellulite Severity Scale (CSS), appearance of the cutaneous area, flaccidity and ultrasound measurement of the panniculus adiposus.Results: The final CSS score of the leg treated reflects statistically significative differences (p= 0.023) when compared with control leg (p= 0.622). Significant reductions of body perimeters at the level of the great trochanter (p= 0.02), the gluteal region (p= 0.03) and the midpoint of the posterior thigh (p= 0.01) are found. The reduction of the panniculus adiposus measured using ultrasound techniques shows significant changes in the midpoint of the posterior thigh (p= 0.028) as well as in the gluteal region (p= 0.03).Conclusions: The dynamic application of MDR seems to be effective in order to reduce not only the thickness of panniculus adiposus but also gluteal and posterior thigh perimeters. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Krogh-Poulsen Test is a classic instrument to measure dysfunction of the stomatognathic system whose psychometric properties are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Krogh-Poulsen Test for the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). A cross-sectional study was designed, including 119 patients (63 patients with TMD and 56 healthy controls). Factorial validity, inter-rater reliability, error of measurement, diagnostic validity of the Krogh-Poulsen Test, and concurrent validity were analyzed. The Krogh-Poulsen Test showed a three-factor structure. The inter-rater agreement could be considered very good with a kappa index of 0.87 (95% CI 0.83–0.90) and Standard Error of Measurement of 0.79. Correlations were strong with other orofacial instruments, moderate with instruments measuring TMD-related disorders such as neck pain, headache, or dizziness, and poor with generic quality of life instruments. The Area Under the Curve ROC was 0.928 showing, for a cut-off point >1, a sensitivity of 90.48 (95% CI 80.4–96.4) and a specificity of 85.71 (95% CI 73.8–93.6) for the diagnosis of TMD disorders. The Krogh-Poulsen Test showed a three-factor structure, very good inter-rater reliability, a strong correlation with other orofacial instruments, and an excellent capacity to discriminate between patients with or without TMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To analyse the effectiveness of optokinetic stimulation (OKS) for improving symptoms and function in patients with vestibular and balance disorders. Methods: PubMed (MEDLINE), SCOPUS, Web of Science (WOS), CINAHL Complete, and PEDro databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included patients with vestibular and balance disorders and compared the effects of OKS versus other interventions or no intervention on subjective or objective functional outcomes. Data were analysed by the standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval. Results: A total of 10 studies were selected including 468 patients, 177 of whom received OKS. There were no significant differences in scores on the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) (SMD = 0.02; 95% CI − 0.18 to 0.23; p = 0.83) or the visual analogue scale (VAS) for vertigo (SMD = 0.16; 95% CI − 1.25 to 1.58; p = 0.82). However, there were statistically significant differences in the timed up and go (TUG) test, with a large effect (SMD = − 1.13; 95% CI -2 to − 0.28; p = 0.009), and in the sensory organization test (SOT), with a medium effect (SMD = − 0.7; 95% CI − 1.21 to − 0.19; p = 0.007). Subgroup analysis showed significant effects of OKS on VAS (p = 0.017), TUG (p = 0.009) and SOT (p = 0.001) only in patients with balance disorders without vestibular disease (p > 0.05). Conclusions: OKS may improve dizziness intensity measured with VAS or dynamic balance measured whit TUG and SOT in patients with balance disorders not due to vestibular disease. The quality of the evidence was low or very low due to the small number of included studies. PROSPERO Registry number: CRD42023445024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyze the psychometric properties of the Niigata Questionnaire (NPQ) for use in a European population with persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD). Methods: Observational study included 140 patients with different vestibular conditions. Construct validity, internal consistency and concurrent validity were analyzed. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to test diagnostic values. Results: Of the 140 patients, 47 had a diagnosis of PPPD. Factorial analysis showed a single-factor structure and concurrent validity analysis showed strong correlations with other instruments. Cronbach alpha coefficients of 0.938 for the total score, 0.869 for the standing and gait subscale, 0.803 for the subscale of movements and 0.852 for the visual stimulation subscale were obtained. The reproducibility was substantial except for the standing subscale, which could be considered moderate. For the standing, movement and visual stimulation subscales and for the total score, the SEM was 3.27, 2.41, 2.50 and 6.63, respectively, and the MDC was 6.40, 4.72, 4.91 and 12.99, respectively. The NPQ total score showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.661, a sensitivity of 72.34 and a specificity of 55.91 for discriminating between PPPD and other vestibular disorders. Conclusions: The NPQ is feasible for use in a Western population and presents a uni-factorial structure, high internal consistency and strong correlation with other instruments. The reliability can be considered substantial. The NPQ has low accuracy in discriminating between subjects with or without PPPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the main musculoskeletal pain conditions, and it affects 23–28% of the global population. Strong evidence supports the absence of a direct relationship between the intensity of pain and tissue damage, with psychosocial factors also playing a crucial role. In this context, the Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists (PABS-PT) is a useful tool for evaluating physiotherapists' treatment orientations and beliefs regarding the management of low back pain (LBP). It helps identify practitioners who may benefit from additional education in modern pain neuroscience. However, there is not a Spanish validation of this scale for physiotherapists. Thus, the aims of this study were to translate and culturally adapt the Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists (PABS-PT) into Spanish and to evaluate its psychometric properties. This validation study used three convenience samples of physiotherapists (PTs) (n = 22 for the pilot study, n = 529 for the validity study and n = 53 for assessing the instrument's responsiveness). The process of translating and adapting the PABS-PT into Spanish followed international guidelines and produced a satisfactory pre-final version of the questionnaire. Factor analysis confirmed the two-factor structure of the original version, with the biomedical (BM) factor explaining 39.4% of the variance and the biopsychosocial (BPS) factor explaining 13.8% of the variance. Cronbach's alpha values were excellent for the BM factor (0.86) and good for the BPS factor (0.77), indicating good internal consistency. Test–retest reliability was excellent for both factors, with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of 0.84 for BM and 0.82 for BPS. The standard error of measurement (SEM) was acceptable for both factors (3.9 points for BM and 2.4 points for BPS). Concurrent validity was moderate and in the expected direction and had significant correlations with the Health Care Providers' Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale (HC-PAIRS) and Revised Neurophysiology Pain Questionnaire (R-NPQ). Sensitivity to change was demonstrated by significant improvements in both factors after an educational intervention, with medium-to-large effect sizes. The PABS-PT also showed good discriminative ability, as it was able to distinguish between physiotherapists with and without pain education. Cut-off values for the BM and BPS factors were determined. In conclusion, the translated and adapted Spanish version of the PABS-PT demonstrated good psychometric properties and can be reliably used to assess the attitudes and beliefs of Spanish-speaking physiotherapists regarding LBP. The questionnaire is recommended for use in clinical and educational research in the Spanish language context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire is a validated and reliable questionnaire that studies the presence and degree of pelvic floor discomfort, providing a global vision of pelvic floor dysfunction. This questionnaire assesses urinary stress incontinence, urinary urgency, urinary frequency, urge urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapses, dysuria, dyspareunia, defecatory dysfunction, fecal incontinence, and the disability it causes to the respondent. Aim: The aim of the present study was to analyze the structural characteristics and psychometric properties of the different versions of the pelvic floor bother questionnaire, as well as the methodological quality, the quality of evidence, and the criteria used for good measurement properties. Methods: A systematic review was carried out in different databases, such as PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Dialnet, ScienceDirect, and CINAHL, on studies adapting and validating the pelvic floor bother questionnaire in other languages. The data were analyzed taking into account the guidelines of the preferred reporting item statement for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) and following the COSMIN guidelines, considering articles published up to 28 February 2022, and registered in the PROSPERO database. Results: Initially, a total of 443 studies were found, from which a total of four studies were analyzed with regard to structural characteristics and psychometric properties, such as reliability, internal consistency, construct validity, and criterion validity. Conclusions: The different versions of the questionnaires show basic structural characteristics and psychometric properties for the evaluation of patients with pelvic floor dysfunctions. Most of the analyzed versions present criteria for good measurement properties qualified as sufficient, inadequate–adequate methodological quality, and low–moderate quality of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this systematic review was to explore the effectiveness of pelvic-floor muscle training (PFMT) in the treatment of women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) who had undergone either surgery or only conservative treatment, based on a selection of randomized clinical trials (RCT). The search was carried out in PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, CINAHL, and PEDro databases between April 2021 and October 2021 using the following MeSH terms or keywords: "pelvic organ prolapse", "POP", "pelvic floor muscle training", "pelvic floor muscle exercise", "kegel exercise", and "surgery". The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. Eighteen RCTs were included in this review. The findings showed improvements in symptoms associated with POP, in pelvic-floor function, and in quality of life in women who performed a PFMT protocol. However, PFMT did not produce significant changes in sexual function, and the results of the change in POP stage were inconclusive. When viewing PFMT as a complementary treatment to surgery, no significant improvements were observed in any of the analyzed variables. In conclusion, a PFMT program is an effective way to improve the pelvic, urinary, and intestinal symptoms associated with POP; function of the pelvic floor; and quality of life. PFMT as an adjunct to surgery does not seem to provide a greater benefit than surgical treatment alone. RCTs of higher methodological quality, with a larger sample size and a longer follow-up, are needed to confirm the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index (HCDI) is a simple and quick test used to evaluate subjects affected by temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), and its psychometric properties have not been tested. The test evaluates movement, joint function, pain and musculature, providing a quick general overview that could be very useful at different levels of care. For this reason, the aim of this study was to validate the use of the HCDI in a sample of patients with TMD. Methods: The sample consisted of 107 subjects, 60 TMD patients and 47 healthy controls. The study evaluated concurrent validity, inter-rater concordance and predictive values. Results: The HCDI showed moderate to substantial inter-rater concordance among the items and excellent concordance for the total scores. The correlation with other TMD assessment tests was high, the correlation with dizziness was moderate and the correlation with neck pain, headache and overall quality of life was poor. The prediction of TMD showed a sensitivity of 86.67%, a specificity of 68.09% and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.841. Conclusions: The HCDI is a valid and reliable assessment instrument; its clinimetric properties are adequate, and it has a good ability to discriminate between TMD-affected and TMD-unaffected subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there is growth in the approach to telerehabilitation (TLRH) in different pathologies, research on TLRH for the management of low back pain is scarce and controversial. Thus, the purpose of this study was to analyze whether a TLRH program is as effective as a clinical exercise program in improving pain and different functional variables in patients with nonspecific low back pain (NLBP).A single-blind, two-armed randomized controlled trial was carried out with 68 individuals with chronic NLBP. Participants were randomly allocated to either the TLRH group (TG) (n = 34) or the clinic group (CG) (n = 34). The TG received an exercise-based TLRH video and an educational program on the neurophysiology of pain. The CG received the same pain education and exercise program at the clinic facility supervised by a clinician. Both groups performed 2 weekly sessions for 8 weeks. Active movements of the lumbar spine, pain and range of motion, and kinesiophobia were assessed at baseline, at the end of 8 weeks of treatment, and at 3 months.Statistically significant differences for time-by-group interaction were identified in range of motion of right (F = 11.668; p = 0.001) and left (F = 4.219; p = 0.042) legs when knee extended test is performed; as well as in pain intensity when the same test (F = 5.176; p = 0.043). Moreover, higher pain level during flexion (F = 5.133; p = 0.009) and extension movements (F = 6.335; p = 0.003) in patients with bilateral pain location than those with unilateral or central pain location has been appreciated.A TLRH rehabilitation program via mobile app is as effective as the same exercise program supervised in a clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Short Form of the Fonseca Anamnestic Index (SFAI) is a simple and quick questionnaire used for screening temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). The present study aimed to validate the Spanish version of the SFAI in patients with TMDs. The study sample comprised 112 subjects (50 TMDs and 52 controls). Test–retest reliability, factorial validity, internal consistency, concurrent validity, and the SFAI's ability to discriminate between TMDs subjects and healthy controls were analyzed using the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD protocol) as the reference. Factor analysis showed a single factor that explained 63% of the total variance. Cronbach's alpha was 0.849. The reliability of the items measured with the Kappa index showed values from 0.767 to 0.888. Test–retest reliability was substantial (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.837). The total SFAI score showed a significant correlation with orofacial pain, vertigo, and neck disability measurements. For a cut-off point of >10 points, the SFAI showed a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 78.85% at differentiating between TMDs patients and healthy subjects, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.852. The Spanish version of the SFAI is a valid and reliable instrument for diagnosing people with TMDs and shows generally good psychometric properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total knee replacement (TKR) surgery ameliorates knee function and the quality of life of patients, although 20% still experience dissatisfaction due to pain limiting their function. Radiofrequency Diathermy (MDR) has shown improvements in knee osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain syndrome. As such, this study aims to assess the effects of MDR in the postoperative treatment of TKR patients. Forty-two participants were allocated to an experimental, placebo, or control group. For two weeks, subjects performed daily knee exercises and MDR, knee exercises and placebo MDR, or only knee exercises. Data from the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) test, Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FSST), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), physical component summary (PCS), and the mental component summary (MCS) of the SF-12 questionnaire were collected. Group-by-time interaction was significant, with favorable results in the MDR group for VAS (p = 0.009) and WOMAC (p = 0.021). No significant differences were found for TUG, FSST, PCS, or MCS (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of MDR to therapeutic knee exercises obtained better results for knee pain than exercise alone in patients who had recently undergone TKR surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balance problems are one of the most frequent symptoms in patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). However, the extent and nature of this balance disorder are not known. The objective of this work was to determine the best evidence for the alteration of postural balance in patients with FMS and analyze differences with healthy controls. To meet this objective, a systematic review with meta-analysis was performed. A bibliographical search was carried out in PubMed Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and SciELO. Observational studies that assessed postural balance in patients with FMS compared to healthy subjects in baseline conditions, were selected. In a random-effect model, the pooled effect was calculated with the Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). Nineteen studies reporting data of 2347 participants (95% female) were included. FMS patients showed poor balance with a large effect on static (SMD = 1.578; 95% CI = 1.164, 1.992), dynamic (SMD = 0.946; 95% CI = 0.598, 1.294), functional balance (SMD = 1.138; 95% CI = 0.689, 1.588) and on balance confidence (SMD = 1.194; 95% CI = 0.914, 1.473). Analysis of the Sensory Organization Test showed large alteration of vestibular (SMD = 1.631; 95% CI = 0.467, 2.795) and visual scores (SMD = 1.317; 95% CI = 0.153, 2.481) compared to healthy controls. Patients with FMS showed worse scores for different measures of postural balance compared to healthy controls. Concretely, FMS patients appear to have poor vestibular and visual scores with a possible somatosensory dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To develop and validate a tool for evaluating balance and neuromotor function in patients with fibromyalgia (FMS). Methods: Brainstorming, the nominal group technique, and pilot-testing were used to select a battery of 20 functional balance tests that were included in a screening tool. A total of 108 subjects (62 with fibromyalgia syndrome, 22 aged over 65 years, and 24 healthy subjects) participated in this validation study. Factor validity, internal consistency, the ability to discriminate between patients and healthy subjects, and concurrent validity with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), and other tools for measuring balance, such as the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC-16), the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), and posturographic parameters, were evaluated. Results: The factorial analysis extracted four factors that explained 70% of the variance. The Alpha Cronbach value was 0.928. Concurrent validity of the screening tool with respect to other tools was high, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed an AUC value of 0.932 for discriminating between healthy and FMS subjects. Severe balance disorder related to head movements in FMS patients was found. Conclusion: The 20-item JAEN (Joint Assessment of Equilibrium and Neuro-motor Function) screening tool is a valid and reliable tool for assessing balance in patients with FMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI) offers a simple method to screen temporomandibular disorders (TMD). This study aimed to validate the Spanish version of the FAI in patients with TMD. Methods: The sample consisted of 125 subjects (66 TMD and 59 controls) aged over 18 years. Construct validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, concurrent validity and capacity to discriminate between TMD and healthy subjects were analyzed. Results: The Spanish version of the FAI showed a structure formed by three factors. Cronbach's alpha was 0.826. The reliability of the items varied between substantial to almost perfect and was excellent for the total score (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.937). The standard error of measurement (SEM) was 6.52, with a minimum detectable change (MDC) of 12.78. FAI score showed a significant correlation with headache, neck pain and vertigo measurements. A cut-off point >35 showed a sensitivity = 83.33% and a specificity = 77.97% in differentiating between healthy and TMD patients, with an area under the curve (AUC) = 0.865. Conclusions: The Spanish version of the FAI is a valid and reliable instrument for diagnosing people with TMD, with appropriate general clinimetric properties. Discrimination between patients with and without TMD is excellent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Headache is a significant public health problem. Despite the association between headache and neck pain, little is known about the relationships among specific activities that generate neck pain and headache. The aim of this study was to identify the specific activities that result in neck pain and unsteadiness, and determine how they are linked to headache in university students. (2) Methods: One hundred and six patients with physician-diagnosed headache and 92 healthy university students completed surveys assessing demographics; the presence, frequency, intensity, and disability of headaches; and activities generating neck pain and unsteadiness. (3) Results: The presence of headache was related to female gender (p = 0.001), neck pain when reading or watching television (p = 0.024), and unsteadiness when moving the head (p = 0.005). Headache-related disability was associated with intensity of neck pain (p < 0.001), neck pain when reading or watching television (p = 0.033), and stumbling (p < 0.001). Headache frequency was related to smoking (p = 0.004), the duration of neck pain-associated symptoms (p = 0.047), and neck pain when driving (p = 0.039). Intensity of headache was associated with female gender (p = 0.002), smoking (p = 0.013), and neck pain-related sleep alterations (p = 0.024). (4) Conclusions: Female gender, smoking, neck pain, and unsteadiness when moving the head are factors related to headache in university students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have considered the effects of percutaneous electrolysis (PE) in the treatment of lateral epicondylalgia (LE). For this reason, the objective of this study was to compare the effects of PE with an evidence-based approach—trigger point dry needling (TDN)—in patients with LE. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in which 32 participants with LE were randomly assigned to two treatment groups, the PE group (n = 16) and the TDN group (n = 16). Both groups received four therapy sessions and an eccentric exercise program to be performed daily. The numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), pressure pain thresholds (PPT), quality of life, and range of motion were measured before treatment, at the end of treatment, and at one- and three-month follow-ups. Significant between-group mean differences were found after treatment for NPRS (p < 0.001) and flexion movement (p = 0.006). At one-month follow-up, significant mean differences between groups were found for NPRS (p < 0.001), PPT (p = 0.021), and flexion (p = 0.036). At three-months follow-up, significant mean differences between groups were found for NPRS (p < 0.001), PPT (p = 0.004), and flexion (p = 0.003). This study provides evidence that PE could be more effective than TDN for short- and medium-term improvement of pain and PPTs in LE when added to an eccentric exercise program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients diagnosed with traumatic or non-traumatic spinal pain and idiopathic scoliosis frequently suffer from imbalance. The evaluation of the perception of verticality by means of visual tests emerges as a quick and easy tool for clinical management of the balance disorders. Several studies have assessed the visual perception of verticality in spinal diseases obtaining controversial results. The aim of our study is to analyze the perception of visual verticality in subjects with several spinal diseases in comparison with healthy subjects. A meta-analysis was carried out. PubMed MEDLINE, Scopus, WoS, CINAHL, and SciELO databases were searched until January 2020. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated to analyze differences between patients and healthy controls. Fifteen studies with a total of 2052 patients were included. In comparison with healthy subjects, a misperception of verticality was found in patients with spinal pain when the perception of the verticality was assessed with the rod and frame test (SMD = 0.339; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.181, 0.497; p < 0.001). It seems that the perception of visual verticality is not altered in patients with idiopathic scoliosis (p = 0.294). The present meta-analysis shows a misperception of visual verticality only in patients with spinal pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]