scholarly journals Is Dry Needling Effective for the Management of Spasticity, Pain, and Motor Function in Post-Stroke Patients? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Pain Medicine ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
César Fernández-de-las-Peñas ◽  
Albert Pérez-Bellmunt ◽  
Luis Llurda-Almuzara ◽  
Gustavo Plaza-Manzano ◽  
Ana I De-la-Llave-Rincón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Motor Function ◽  
Muscle Tone ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Dry Needling ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Mean Differences

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effects of muscle dry needling alone or combined with other interventions on post-stroke spasticity (muscle tone), related pain, motor function, and pressure sensitivity. Databases and Data Treatment Electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials including post-stroke patients where at least one group received dry needling and outcomes were collected on spasticity and related pain. Secondary outcomes included motor function and pressure pain sensitivity. Data were extracted by two reviewers. The risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, methodological quality was assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database score, and the quality of evidence was assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Between-groups mean differences (MDs) and standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated. Results Seven studies (three within the lower extremity, four in the upper extremity) were included. The meta-analysis found significantly large effect sizes of dry needling for reducing spasticity (SMD: -1.01, 95%confidence interval [CI] -1.68 to -0.34), post-stroke pain (SMD -1.01, 95%CI -1.73 to -0.30), and pressure pain sensitivity (SMD 1.21, 95% CI: 0.62 to 1.80) as compared with a comparative group at short-term follow-up. The effect on spasticity was found mainly in the lower extremity (MD -1.05, 95% CI: -1.32 to -0.78) at short-term follow-up. No effect on spasticity was seen at 4 weeks. No significant effect on motor function (SMD 0.16, 95% CI: -0.13 to 0.44) was observed. The risk of bias was generally low, but the imprecision of the results downgraded the level of evidence. Conclusion Moderate evidence suggests a positive effect of dry needling on spasticity (muscle tone) in the lower extremity in post-stroke patients. The effects on related pain and motor function are inconclusive.

Use of Kinesio taping in lower-extremity rehabilitation of post-stroke patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 22-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mian Wang ◽  
Zi-wen Pei ◽  
Bei-dou Xiong ◽  
Xian-mei Meng ◽  
Xiao-li Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Kinesio Taping

scholarly journals Significant Increase of Erectile Dysfunction in Men With Post-stroke: A Comprehensive Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shankun Zhao ◽  
Weizhou Wu ◽  
Panxing Wu ◽  
Chao Ding ◽  
Bingxiang Xiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Erectile Dysfunction ◽  
General Population ◽  
Erectile Function ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Quantitative Result ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Mean Differences

Men with erectile dysfunction (ED) are considered to be at risk from stroke events. Conversely, post-stroke patients are also at high risk of ED, whereas a quantitative result from all the relevant studies has not been previously addressed. Therefore, we have performed a comprehensive review and meta-analysis on this issue. This study was registered on PROSPERO (ID No. CRD42021226618). Twenty studies with a total of 3,382 stroke events were included, of which six studies were included for quantitative analysis, and the remaining 14 studies were calculated for the ratio of ED. Synthetic results from four eligible studies providing the ED cases showed that stroke patients were associated with a significantly higher risk of ED than the general population [pooled relative risk (RR) = 3.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25–8.82, P = 0.016]. Men with stroke were also found to be associated with a significant decline in International Index of Erectile Function −5 (IIEF-5) score as compared with the healthy controls [three studies, standard mean differences (SMD) = −1.8, 95% CI: −2.94 to −0.67, P = 0.002]. The prevalence of ED in post-stroke patients among 14 studies ranged from 32.1 to 77.8%, which was dramatically higher than that of the general population. The result of the GRADE-pro revealed that the quality of the evidence in this study was moderate. The present study has confirmed the high prevalence of ED in men with stroke. ED in stroke patients is a result of both neurological and psychological factors. Rehabilitative interventions rather than phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors are recommended to improve the erectile function for those survivors with ED.

Exercise interventions in lateral elbow tendinopathy have better outcomes than passive interventions, but the effects are small: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 2123 subjects in 30 trials

2020 ◽  
pp. bjsports-2020-102525
Author(s):  
Stefanos Karanasios ◽  
Vasileios Korakakis ◽  
Rod Whiteley ◽  
Ioannis Vasilogeorgis ◽  
Sarah Woodbridge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Lateral Elbow ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Wait And See ◽  
Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of exercise compared with other conservative interventions in the management of lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) on pain and function.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsWe used the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool 2 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to assess risk of bias and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology to grade the certainty of evidence. Self-perceived improvement, pain intensity, pain-free grip strength (PFGS) and elbow disability were used as primary outcome measures.Eligibility criteriaRCTs assessing the effectiveness of exercise alone or as an additive intervention compared with passive interventions, wait-and-see or injections in patients with LET.Results30 RCTs (2123 participants, 5 comparator interventions) were identified. Exercise outperformed (low certainty) corticosteroid injections in all outcomes at all time points except short-term pain reduction. Clinically significant differences were found in PFGS at short-term (mean difference (MD): 12.15, (95% CI) 1.69 to 22.6), mid-term (MD: 22.45, 95% CI 3.63 to 41.3) and long-term follow-up (MD: 18, 95% CI 11.17 to 24.84). Statistically significant differences (very low certainty) for exercise compared with wait-and-see were found only in self-perceived improvement at short-term, pain reduction and elbow disability at short-term and long-term follow-up. Substantial heterogeneity in descriptions of equipment, load, duration and frequency of exercise programmes were evident.ConclusionsLow and very low certainty evidence suggests exercise is effective compared with passive interventions with or without invasive treatment in LET, but the effect is small.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018082703.

The effect of dry needling of myofascial trigger points on muscle stiffness and motoneuron excitability in healthy subjects

2021 ◽  
pp. 096452842110275
Author(s):  
Carolina Jiménez-Sánchez ◽  
Julio Gómez-Soriano ◽  
Elisabeth Bravo-Esteban ◽  
Orlando Mayoral-del Moral ◽  
Pablo Herrero-Gállego ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Tone ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Trigger Points ◽  
Muscle Stiffness ◽  
Invasive Technique ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Dry Needling ◽  
Myofascial Trigger Points ◽  
Motoneuron Excitability

Background: Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are hypersensitive nodules in a taut band (TB) of skeletal muscle. Dry needling (DN) is an invasive technique recommended for the treatment of MTrPs. However, to our knowledge, no studies have investigated the influence of the DN technique on modification of muscle stiffness and neurophysiological properties of MTrPs. Objective: The objective was to examine the effect of DN on muscle stiffness and motoneuron excitability of a latent medial MTrP (nodule and TB) of the soleus muscle in non-injured subjects. Methods: A double-blinded randomised controlled trial of 46 subjects with latent medial MTrPs of the soleus was conducted, in which all received one session of DN. The intervention group (n = 23) were subjected to DN into the MTrP (the nodule), while the control group (n = 23) were subjected to DN into the TB. Assessment was carried out at baseline (pre-test), after the intervention (post-test) and 1 week after the intervention (follow-up). Biomechanical variables (muscle resistive force at 10°/s and 180°/s, muscle extensibility and strength), as measured with an isokinetic dynamometer, and neurophysiological variables (H-reflex), were recorded. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in biomechanical or neurophysiological assessments between groups. Considering the intra-group analysis, subjects in the intervention group exhibited increased maximal isometric voluntary force to ankle plantarflexion (MIVFp) at both post-intervention and follow-up assessment (p < 0.0125; 0.2 < d < 0.5), while no changes were found in the control group. Conclusion: One session of DN targeting latent MTrPs did not change muscle stiffness, muscle extensibility or motoneuron excitability. Further research on subjects with muscle tone disorders should be considered to better address the impact of DN on muscle tone. Trial registration number: NCT02575586 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

scholarly journals A meta-analysis indicating extra-short implants (≤ 6 mm) as an alternative to longer implants (≥ 8 mm) with bone augmentation

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoran Yu ◽  
Ruogu Xu ◽  
Zhengchuan Zhang ◽  
Yang Yang ◽  
Feilong Deng
Keyword(s):  
Survival Rate ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Bone Augmentation ◽  
Moderate Quality ◽  
Short Implants ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Complications Rate

AbstractExtra-short implants, of which clinical outcomes remain controversial, are becoming a potential option rather than long implants with bone augmentation in atrophic partially or totally edentulous jaws. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes and complications between extra-short implants (≤ 6 mm) and longer implants (≥ 8 mm), with and without bone augmentation procedures. Electronic (via PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library) and manual searches were performed for articles published prior to November 2020. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing extra-short implants and longer implants in the same study reporting survival rate with an observation period at least 1 year were selected. Data extraction and methodological quality (AMSTAR-2) was assessed by 2 authors independently. A quantitative meta-analysis was performed to compare the survival rate, marginal bone loss (MBL), biological and prosthesis complication rate. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool 2 and the quality of evidence was determined with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. 21 RCTs were included, among which two were prior registered and 14 adhered to the CONSORT statement. No significant difference was found in the survival rate between extra-short and longer implant at 1- and 3-years follow-up (RR: 1.002, CI 0.981 to 1.024, P = 0.856 at 1 year; RR: 0.996, CI 0.968 to 1.025, P  = 0.772 at 3 years, moderate quality), while longer implants had significantly higher survival rate than extra-short implants (RR: 0.970, CI 0.944 to 0.997, P < 0.05) at 5 years. Interestingly, no significant difference was observed when bone augmentations were performed at 5 years (RR: 0.977, CI 0.945 to 1.010, P = 0.171 for reconstructed bone; RR: 0.955, CI 0.912 to 0.999, P < 0.05 for native bone). Both the MBL (from implant placement) (WMD: − 0.22, CI − 0.277 to − 0.164, P < 0.01, low quality) and biological complications rate (RR: 0.321, CI 0.243 to 0.422, P < 0.01, moderate quality) preferred extra-short implants. However, there was no significant difference in terms of MBL (from prosthesis restoration) (WMD: 0.016, CI − 0.036 to 0.068, P = 0.555, moderate quality) or prosthesis complications rate (RR: 1.308, CI 0.893 to 1.915, P = 0.168, moderate quality). The placement of extra-short implants could be an acceptable alternative to longer implants in atrophic posterior arch. Further high-quality RCTs with a long follow-up period are required to corroborate the present outcomes.Registration number The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020155342).

scholarly journals Cannabis and its derivatives for the use of motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 175628642110185
Author(s):  
Susan J. Thanabalasingam ◽  
Brandan Ranjith ◽  
Robyn Jackson ◽  
Don Thiwanka Wijeratne
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Motor Function ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Motor Symptom ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Symptom Improvement ◽  
Motor Symptoms

Background: Recent changes to the legal status of cannabis across various countries have renewed interest in exploring its use in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The use of cannabinoids for alleviation of motor symptoms has been extensively explored in pre-clinical studies. Objective: We aim to systematically review and meta-analyze literature on the use of medical cannabis or its derivatives (MC) in PD patients to determine its effect on motor function and its safety profile. Methods: We reviewed and analyzed original, full-text randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. Primary outcomes were change in motor function and dyskinesia. Secondary outcomes included adverse events and side effects. All studies were analyzed for risk of bias. Results: Fifteen studies, including six RCTs, were analyzed. Of these, 12/15 (80%) mention concomitant treatment with antiparkinsonian medications, most commonly levodopa. Primary outcomes were most often measured using the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) among RCTs and patient self-report of symptom improvement was widely used among observational studies. Most of the observational data lacking appropriate controls had effect estimates favoring the intervention. However, the controlled studies demonstrated no significant motor symptom improvement overall. The meta-analysis of three RCTs, including a total of 83 patients, did not demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in UPDRS III score variation (MD −0.21, 95% CI −4.15 to 3.72; p = 0.92) with MC use. Only one study reported statistically significant improvement in dyskinesia ( p < 0.05). The intervention was generally well tolerated. All RCTs had a high risk of bias. Conclusion: Although observational studies establish subjective symptom alleviation and interest in MC among PD patients, there is insufficient evidence to support its integration into clinical practice for motor symptom treatment. This is primarily due to lack of good quality data.

“Outcome evaluation of fruit and vegetables distribution interventions in schools: A systematic review and meta-analysis”

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-34
Author(s):  
M. R. Ismail ◽  
J. A. Seabrook ◽  
J. A. Gilliland
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Outcome Evaluation ◽  
Fruit And Vegetables ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Health Strategy ◽  
Rigorous Study ◽  
Mean Differences

Abstract Objective: Fruit and vegetables (FVs) distribution interventions have been implemented as a public health strategy to increase children’s intake of FVs at school settings. The purpose of this review was to examine whether snack-based FVs distribution interventions can improve school-aged children’s consumption of FVs. Design: Systematic Review and meta-analysis of articles published in English, in a peer-review journals were identified by searching six databases up to August 2020. Standardized Mean Differences (SMDs) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were calculated using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was quantified using I2 statistics. Setting: Population-based studies of interventions where the main focus was the effectiveness of distributed FVs as snacks to schoolchildren in North America, Europe and Pacific were included. Results: Forty-seven studies, reporting on 15 different interventions, were identified; 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis. All interventions were effective in increasing children’s consumption of FVs, with only one intervention demonstrating a null effect. Pooled results under all classifications showed effectiveness in improving children’s consumption of FVs, particularly for multi-component interventions at post-intervention (SMD 0.20, CI 0.13, 0.27) and free distribution interventions at follow-up (SMD 0.19, CI 0.12, 0.27). Conclusions: Findings suggest that utilizing FV distribution interventions provide a promising avenue by which children’s consumption can be improved. Nonetheless, our results are based on a limited number of studies, and further studies should be performed to confirm these results. More consistent measurement protocols in terms of rigorous study methodologies, intervention duration, and follow-up evaluation are needed to improve comparability across studies.

scholarly journals Disease stability and extended dosing under anti-VEGF treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — a meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justus G. Garweg ◽  
Christin Gerhardt
Keyword(s):  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Subretinal Fluid ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Pubmed Central ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Interval Extension ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Mean Differences

Abstract Purpose To assess disease stability (absence of intra- and/or subretinal fluid) and the portion of eyes being capable to extend their treatment interval to ≥ 12 weeks in exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods A systematic literature search was performed in NCBI, PubMed, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify clinical studies reporting treatment outcomes for ranibizumab, aflibercept, and brolucizumab in exudative AMD under a treat-and-extend protocol and a follow-up of ≥ 12 months. Weighted mean differences and subgroup comparisons were used to integrate the different studies. Results This meta-analysis refers to 29 published series, including 27 independent samples and 5629 patients. In the pooled group, disease stability was reported in 62.9% and 56.0%, respectively, after 12 and 24 months of treatment, whereas treatment intervals were extended to ≥ 12 weeks in 37.7% and 42.6%, respectively. Ranibizumab, aflibercept, and brolucizumab differed regarding their potential to achieve disease stability (56.3%, 64.5%, and 71.5% after 12, and 50.0%, 52.7% and 75.7% after 24 months; p = < 0.001) and to allow an interval extension to ≥ 12 weeks (28.6%, 34.2%, and 53.3% after 12, and 34.2%, 47.7%, and 41.7% after 24 months; p = < 0.001). Conclusion The portion of eyes achieving disease stability regressed in the second year, whereas the portion of eyes under a ≥ 12-week interval increased. This discrepancy may reflect the challenges in balancing between under-treatment and a reduced treatment burden.

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