Balanced acupuncture, a single-acupoint balance therapy, regulates the balance of the cerebral center, and is characterized by exerting quick effects and a short treatment course. A total of 20 low-back and leg pain p...Balanced acupuncture, a single-acupoint balance therapy, regulates the balance of the cerebral center, and is characterized by exerting quick effects and a short treatment course. A total of 20 low-back and leg pain patients with lumbar disc herniation were treated with balanced acupuncture or body acupuncture. Central mechanisms of vaded acupunctures were compared using resting-state functional MRI. Patients from both groups received functional MRI before and after acupuncture. Functional connectivity in brain regions that were strongly associated with the bilatera amygdala was analyzed utilizing AFNI software. Visual analogue scale scores were greater in the balanced acupuncture group compared with the body acupuncture group. Function of the endogenous pain regulation network was enhanced in patients in the balanced acupuncture group, but was not changed in the body acupuncture group. This result indicates that the analgesic effects of body acupuncture do not work through the central nervous system. These data suggest that balanced acupuncture exerts analgesic effects on low-back and leg pain patients with lumbar disc herniation by regulating the function of the endogenous pain regulation network.展开更多
<strong>Background and Purpose:</strong> Walking difficulties are defined as any reduction in speed, balance, or change of gait, causing limited ambulation. These difficulties are a common problem in older...<strong>Background and Purpose:</strong> Walking difficulties are defined as any reduction in speed, balance, or change of gait, causing limited ambulation. These difficulties are a common problem in older adults and may greatly affect their quality of life (QOL) and restrict their personal independence and participation. This study aimed to determine the effect of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) on lower leg pain, walking capacity, functional mobility, ankle range of motion (AROM), and QOL of community-dwelling older people with walking difficulties. <strong>Methods:</strong> In this randomized controlled trial, 34 eligible participants with self-reported lower limb pain and limited ambulation were randomized either to the intermittent pneumatic compression intervention group (IPCIG) or static compression control group (SCCG). The IPCIG and SCCG were trained to receive IPC and SC respectively for both lower legs and instructed to continue the application independently at home for 15 minutes per session, 2 sessions a day, 7 days per week for 4 weeks independently at the home. Outcome measures of lower leg pain, AROM, walking capacity, and functional mobility were assessed at baseline and at the first, second, third, and fourth weeks after randomization. Quality of life was assessed at baseline and immediately after the intervention. <strong>Results and Discussion:</strong> IPCIG showed a more significant improvement compared to the SCCG at the post-interventional stage for QOL and all the subscales. The findings show that “80% improved QOL” is 53% higher with the application of IPC than with SC for 4 weeks. The IPCIG showed a more significant improvement in the 6-minute walk test (6 MWT) at the third and fourth weeks compared to the SCCG. A pairwise comparison of mean values of 6 MWT over 4 weeks within the IPCIG showed a significant difference between all the weeks. Pairwise comparisons between groups at each time point showed that the IPCIG showed a more significant improvement in the timed up and go (TUG) test at the third and fourth weeks compared to the SCCG. Pairwise comparison of mean values of TUG test within the IPCIG showed a significant difference over 4 weeks, except between the second and third weeks, fourth week, and third and fourth weeks. The IPCIG showed a more significant improvement in lower leg pain between all weeks except the first week compared to the SCCG. Pairwise comparison of mean values of lower leg pain over 4 weeks within the IPCIG showed a significant difference among all weekly outcomes except between 1 and 2 weeks. The IPCIG showed a more significant improvement in left and right ankle dorsiflexion ROM at the third and fourth weeks compared to the SCCG. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> The IPC was effective in reducing lower leg pain and increasing the AROM and improving the walking capacity, functional mobility level, and QOL of community-dwelling older people with walking disabilities. Walking disability in old age is a common condition requiring physical therapy. Intermittent pneumatic compression can be used as a physical therapy modality for this patient group.展开更多
Musculoskeletal pain is common. Because pain is subjective, objectively describing it is crucial. However, pain assessment may cause distress in patients;therefore, physical therapists (PTs) should conduct these tests...Musculoskeletal pain is common. Because pain is subjective, objectively describing it is crucial. However, pain assessment may cause distress in patients;therefore, physical therapists (PTs) should conduct these tests quickly and accurately. Simple and clear instructions are recommended for pain assessment. However, few studies have provided evidence to support this hypothesis. Correspondingly, this study aimed to confirm the effectiveness of specific verbal instructions for pain location during five consecutive Passive Straight Leg Raise (PSLR) tests. The 28 asymptomatic participants (age 27.4 ± 9.6 years) who provided informed consent received five consecutive PSLR tests: three without and two with specific verbal instructions to ascertain pain intensity, quality, and location. The participants drew pain locations on a body chart and described the pain intensity and quality after each test. All participants were interviewed regarding the differences they noted in the presence and absence of specific verbal instructions. Each pain location was classified into one of ten areas for statistical analysis. The proportion of participants who changed the pain location was compared between the tests using McNemar’s test, and the kappa coefficient was confirmed for consistency of pain location. There was a significant difference in the proportion of participants who changed their pain location between the second and third tests and from the third to the fourth test (McNemar’s test: p = 0.003). Kappa coefficients had low consistency (κ = 0.28) just after receiving the specific verbal instructions in the fourth test compared to the third test. Consistency improved in the fifth test (κ = 0.57);93% of the participants answered that the pain location had become clearer. This study revealed the effects of specific verbal instructions in identifying pain locations. This detailed information may help PTs provide appropriate treatment and contribute to reducing pain in clinical settings.展开更多
We present the case of a 28 year old man from Mali who came to consultation for " lower limb edema and painful gait".The diagnosis of dracunculiasis was established by the suggestive symptomatology and the n...We present the case of a 28 year old man from Mali who came to consultation for " lower limb edema and painful gait".The diagnosis of dracunculiasis was established by the suggestive symptomatology and the notion of a trip back to his native country a year earlier.It was confirmed by the outing of the worm.展开更多
The aqua-injection at Ci1iao (BL 31) point was used to treat 2l4 patients with painof loins and legs, and among them 64 (29.9％ ) cases were cured, 136 (63. 6 ％) were markedly im-proved and 12 (0. 6％) cases were imp...The aqua-injection at Ci1iao (BL 31) point was used to treat 2l4 patients with painof loins and legs, and among them 64 (29.9％ ) cases were cured, 136 (63. 6 ％) were markedly im-proved and 12 (0. 6％) cases were improved with a total effective rate of 99. 1％。展开更多
The most prevalent issue in physical therapy is pain. Due to the subjective nature of pain, assessment tools are essential in understanding it as objective data. However, assessment of pain may result in distress for ...The most prevalent issue in physical therapy is pain. Due to the subjective nature of pain, assessment tools are essential in understanding it as objective data. However, assessment of pain may result in distress for the patient. A physical therapist (PT) should conduct these tests as quickly and accurately as possible. Straightforward instructions are vital in such cases. This study aimed to clarify the effect of verbal instructions for pain assessment during a passive straight leg raise (PSLR) test for participants with chronic low back pain (CLBP). This study included 22 participants who provided informed consent and received three consecutive PSLR tests with measurement of the hip flexion range of motion (HFROM) and were instructed to cease the test at submaximal pain before the first test. Following the second and third tests, participants were given specific verbal instructions to remember pain intensity, quality, and location. After each test, participants were to circle the pain location on the body chart and rate their pain intensity on a numeric rating scale (NRS) and pain quality. All participants were then interviewed about the differences between having and not having specific verbal instructions. The results of HFROM, NRS, and pain extent were not significantly different between the first and second tests or between the second and third tests using a paired t-test. Eleven changes in pain location were found in the second test compared to those in the first test. In the third test, only three participants circled a different area than in the second test. Ten participants showed similar changes with pain location in pain quality in the three PSLR tests. This study revealed the effect of specific verbal instructions prior to PSLR tests. Particularly, participants could notice exact pain location. Our findings may help PT to understand pain cause and reduce patients’ stress during pain assessment in clinical settings.展开更多
目的:探讨针刺联合三步七法推拿对颈肩腰腿痛(neck,shoulder,waist and leg pain,NSWLP)肾虚血瘀证患者颈肩腰腿活动功能的影响。方法:将NSWLP肾虚血瘀证患者112例按照随机数字表法分为对照组和观察组各56例。对照组予西医常规干预方案...目的:探讨针刺联合三步七法推拿对颈肩腰腿痛(neck,shoulder,waist and leg pain,NSWLP)肾虚血瘀证患者颈肩腰腿活动功能的影响。方法:将NSWLP肾虚血瘀证患者112例按照随机数字表法分为对照组和观察组各56例。对照组予西医常规干预方案,观察组在对照组基础上采取针刺联合三步七法推拿治疗,连续治疗4周后比较两组患者疼痛程度,颈椎、肩关节、腰椎、膝关节功能以及临床疗效。结果:治疗4周后,两组患者视觉模拟量表(visual analogue scale,VAS)评分均降低(P<0.01),观察组降低更明显(P<0.01);两组患者颈椎病临床评价量表(cervical spondylosis clinical evaluation scale,CASCS)、Constant-Murley欧美肩关节评分法(constant-murley score,C-M)、日本骨科协会(Japanese Orthopaedic Association,JOA)评分、Lysholm评分均升高,观察组升高更明显(P<0.01);观察组总有效率为94.64%(53/56),高于对照组的80.36%(45/56)(P<0.05)。结论:西医常规治疗基础上予针刺联合三步七法推拿治疗NSWLP肾虚血痧证疗效更佳,可进一步减轻患者疼痛,改善颈肩腰腿活动功能。展开更多
基金funded by the Scientific Research Innovation Program regarding Traditional Chinese Medicine of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Central mechanism of balanced acupuncture for lumbar disc herniationusing functional MRI), No. 09CX068
文摘Balanced acupuncture, a single-acupoint balance therapy, regulates the balance of the cerebral center, and is characterized by exerting quick effects and a short treatment course. A total of 20 low-back and leg pain patients with lumbar disc herniation were treated with balanced acupuncture or body acupuncture. Central mechanisms of vaded acupunctures were compared using resting-state functional MRI. Patients from both groups received functional MRI before and after acupuncture. Functional connectivity in brain regions that were strongly associated with the bilatera amygdala was analyzed utilizing AFNI software. Visual analogue scale scores were greater in the balanced acupuncture group compared with the body acupuncture group. Function of the endogenous pain regulation network was enhanced in patients in the balanced acupuncture group, but was not changed in the body acupuncture group. This result indicates that the analgesic effects of body acupuncture do not work through the central nervous system. These data suggest that balanced acupuncture exerts analgesic effects on low-back and leg pain patients with lumbar disc herniation by regulating the function of the endogenous pain regulation network.
文摘<strong>Background and Purpose:</strong> Walking difficulties are defined as any reduction in speed, balance, or change of gait, causing limited ambulation. These difficulties are a common problem in older adults and may greatly affect their quality of life (QOL) and restrict their personal independence and participation. This study aimed to determine the effect of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) on lower leg pain, walking capacity, functional mobility, ankle range of motion (AROM), and QOL of community-dwelling older people with walking difficulties. <strong>Methods:</strong> In this randomized controlled trial, 34 eligible participants with self-reported lower limb pain and limited ambulation were randomized either to the intermittent pneumatic compression intervention group (IPCIG) or static compression control group (SCCG). The IPCIG and SCCG were trained to receive IPC and SC respectively for both lower legs and instructed to continue the application independently at home for 15 minutes per session, 2 sessions a day, 7 days per week for 4 weeks independently at the home. Outcome measures of lower leg pain, AROM, walking capacity, and functional mobility were assessed at baseline and at the first, second, third, and fourth weeks after randomization. Quality of life was assessed at baseline and immediately after the intervention. <strong>Results and Discussion:</strong> IPCIG showed a more significant improvement compared to the SCCG at the post-interventional stage for QOL and all the subscales. The findings show that “80% improved QOL” is 53% higher with the application of IPC than with SC for 4 weeks. The IPCIG showed a more significant improvement in the 6-minute walk test (6 MWT) at the third and fourth weeks compared to the SCCG. A pairwise comparison of mean values of 6 MWT over 4 weeks within the IPCIG showed a significant difference between all the weeks. Pairwise comparisons between groups at each time point showed that the IPCIG showed a more significant improvement in the timed up and go (TUG) test at the third and fourth weeks compared to the SCCG. Pairwise comparison of mean values of TUG test within the IPCIG showed a significant difference over 4 weeks, except between the second and third weeks, fourth week, and third and fourth weeks. The IPCIG showed a more significant improvement in lower leg pain between all weeks except the first week compared to the SCCG. Pairwise comparison of mean values of lower leg pain over 4 weeks within the IPCIG showed a significant difference among all weekly outcomes except between 1 and 2 weeks. The IPCIG showed a more significant improvement in left and right ankle dorsiflexion ROM at the third and fourth weeks compared to the SCCG. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> The IPC was effective in reducing lower leg pain and increasing the AROM and improving the walking capacity, functional mobility level, and QOL of community-dwelling older people with walking disabilities. Walking disability in old age is a common condition requiring physical therapy. Intermittent pneumatic compression can be used as a physical therapy modality for this patient group.
文摘Musculoskeletal pain is common. Because pain is subjective, objectively describing it is crucial. However, pain assessment may cause distress in patients;therefore, physical therapists (PTs) should conduct these tests quickly and accurately. Simple and clear instructions are recommended for pain assessment. However, few studies have provided evidence to support this hypothesis. Correspondingly, this study aimed to confirm the effectiveness of specific verbal instructions for pain location during five consecutive Passive Straight Leg Raise (PSLR) tests. The 28 asymptomatic participants (age 27.4 ± 9.6 years) who provided informed consent received five consecutive PSLR tests: three without and two with specific verbal instructions to ascertain pain intensity, quality, and location. The participants drew pain locations on a body chart and described the pain intensity and quality after each test. All participants were interviewed regarding the differences they noted in the presence and absence of specific verbal instructions. Each pain location was classified into one of ten areas for statistical analysis. The proportion of participants who changed the pain location was compared between the tests using McNemar’s test, and the kappa coefficient was confirmed for consistency of pain location. There was a significant difference in the proportion of participants who changed their pain location between the second and third tests and from the third to the fourth test (McNemar’s test: p = 0.003). Kappa coefficients had low consistency (κ = 0.28) just after receiving the specific verbal instructions in the fourth test compared to the third test. Consistency improved in the fifth test (κ = 0.57);93% of the participants answered that the pain location had become clearer. This study revealed the effects of specific verbal instructions in identifying pain locations. This detailed information may help PTs provide appropriate treatment and contribute to reducing pain in clinical settings.
文摘We present the case of a 28 year old man from Mali who came to consultation for " lower limb edema and painful gait".The diagnosis of dracunculiasis was established by the suggestive symptomatology and the notion of a trip back to his native country a year earlier.It was confirmed by the outing of the worm.
文摘The aqua-injection at Ci1iao (BL 31) point was used to treat 2l4 patients with painof loins and legs, and among them 64 (29.9％ ) cases were cured, 136 (63. 6 ％) were markedly im-proved and 12 (0. 6％) cases were improved with a total effective rate of 99. 1％。
文摘The most prevalent issue in physical therapy is pain. Due to the subjective nature of pain, assessment tools are essential in understanding it as objective data. However, assessment of pain may result in distress for the patient. A physical therapist (PT) should conduct these tests as quickly and accurately as possible. Straightforward instructions are vital in such cases. This study aimed to clarify the effect of verbal instructions for pain assessment during a passive straight leg raise (PSLR) test for participants with chronic low back pain (CLBP). This study included 22 participants who provided informed consent and received three consecutive PSLR tests with measurement of the hip flexion range of motion (HFROM) and were instructed to cease the test at submaximal pain before the first test. Following the second and third tests, participants were given specific verbal instructions to remember pain intensity, quality, and location. After each test, participants were to circle the pain location on the body chart and rate their pain intensity on a numeric rating scale (NRS) and pain quality. All participants were then interviewed about the differences between having and not having specific verbal instructions. The results of HFROM, NRS, and pain extent were not significantly different between the first and second tests or between the second and third tests using a paired t-test. Eleven changes in pain location were found in the second test compared to those in the first test. In the third test, only three participants circled a different area than in the second test. Ten participants showed similar changes with pain location in pain quality in the three PSLR tests. This study revealed the effect of specific verbal instructions prior to PSLR tests. Particularly, participants could notice exact pain location. Our findings may help PT to understand pain cause and reduce patients’ stress during pain assessment in clinical settings.
