No Additive Clinical or Physiological Effects of Short-term Anti-inflammatory Treatment to Physical Rehabilitation in the Early Phase of Human Achilles Tendinopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652199190
Author(s):  
Nikolaj M. Malmgaard-Clausen ◽  
Oscar H. Jørgensen ◽  
Rikke Høffner ◽  
Peter E.B. Andersen ◽  
Rene B. Svensson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Phase ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Rehabilitation Program ◽  
Achilles Tendinopathy ◽  
Physical Rehabilitation ◽  
Symptom Duration ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Nsaid Treatment ◽  
T2 Mri

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used in the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy, but whether they have any additive clinical effect on physical rehabilitation in the early phase of tendinopathy remains unknown. Purpose/Hypothesis: To investigate whether an initial short-term NSAID treatment added to a physical rehabilitation program in the early phase of Achilles tendinopathy would have an additive effect. We hypothesized that the combination of NSAID and rehabilitation would be superior to rehabilitation alone. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A total of 69 patients with early phase Achilles tendinopathy (lasting <3 months) were randomly assigned to either a naproxen group (7 days of treatment; 500 mg twice daily; n = 34) or a placebo group (7 days of placebo treatment; n = 35). Both groups received an identical 12-week physical rehabilitation program. The clinical outcome of the study was evaluated using the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire and a numerical rating scale (NRS), and the physiological outcome was evaluated using ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultra-short time to echo T2* mapping MRI (UTE T2* MRI). Follow-up was performed at 1 week, 3 months, and 1 year. Time effects are presented as mean difference ± SEM. Results: No significant differences were found between the 2 treatment groups for any of the outcome measures at any time point ( P > .05). For the VISA-A score, a significant time effect was observed between baseline and 3-month follow-up (14.9 ± 2.3; P < .0001), and at 1-year follow-up, additional improvements were observed (6.1 ± 2.3; P < .01). Furthermore, the change in VISA-A score between baseline and 3-month follow-up was greater in patients with very short symptom duration (<1 month) at baseline compared with patients who had longer symptom duration (>2 months) (interaction between groups, 11.7 ± 4.2; P < .01). Despite clinical improvements, total weekly physical activity remained lower compared with preinjury levels at 3 months (–2.7 ± 0.5 h/wk; P < .0001) and 1 year (–3.0 ± 0.5 h/wk; P < .0001). At baseline, ultrasonography showed increased thickness (0.12 ± 0.03 cm; P < .0001) and vascularity (0.3 ± 0.1 cm2; P < .005) on the tendinopathic side compared with the contralateral side, but no changes over time were observed for ultrasonography, MRI, or UTE T2* MRI results. Conclusion: Clinical symptoms in early tendinopathy improved with physical rehabilitation, but this improvement was not augmented with the addition of NSAID treatment. Furthermore, this clinical recovery occurred in the absence of any measurable structural alterations. Finally, clinical improvements after a physical rehabilitation program were greater in patients with very short symptom duration compared with patients who had longer symptom duration. Registration: NCT03401177 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier) and BFH-2016-019 (Danish Data Protection Agency)

scholarly journals A criteria-based rehabilitation program for chronic mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin Griffin ◽  
Katherine Daniels ◽  
Caroline Hill ◽  
Andrew Franklyn-Miller ◽  
Jean-Benoît Morin
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Rehabilitation Program ◽  
Achilles Tendinopathy ◽  
Treadmill Running ◽  
Plantar Flexor ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Link Type

Abstract Background Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a common overuse injury in running-related sports where patients experience pain and impaired function which can persist. A graded rehabilitation program has been successful in reducing pain and improving function to enable a return to sport. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of a criteria-based rehabilitation program including strength and reactive strength targets, with a previously successful rehabilitation program on changes in pain and function using the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire. Secondary aims will be to assess changes in calf strength, reactive strength, and lower limb running and forward hop biomechanics over the course of a 12-week rehabilitation program, and long-term follow-up investigations. Methods Sixty eligible participants with chronic mid-portion AT who train in running-based sports will be included in this study. They will be randomly assigned to a group that will follow an evidence-based rehabilitation program of daily exercises with progression guided by symptoms or a group performing 3 high-intensity rehabilitation sessions per week with individualised load targets progressing to reactive strength exercises. Testing will take place at baseline, week 6 and 12. Plantar flexor peak torque will be measured using isokinetic dynamometry, reactive strength will be measured using a drop jump and lower limb biomechanical variables will be measured during a single leg forward hurdle hop test and treadmill running using 3D motion analysis. Follow-up interviews will take place at 6, 12 and 24 months after beginning the program which will assess patient participation in sport and possible re-injury. Discussion This is the first study to propose an individualised criteria-based graded rehabilitation program in patients in with chronic mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy where progression is guided by strength and reactive strength outcome measures. This study will provide a comprehensive assessment of plantar flexor strength, reactive strength and lower limb biomechanical variables in running and forward hopping with the VISA-A questionnaire as the primary outcome measure and long term post-intervention follow-up assessments performed. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04384874). Registered retrospectively on April 23rd 2020.

The Link Between Verbal Short-Term Memory and Anomia Treatment Gains

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 1039-1052
Author(s):  
Reva M. Zimmerman ◽  
JoAnn P. Silkes ◽  
Diane L. Kendall ◽  
Irene Minkina
Keyword(s):  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Language Performance ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Term Memory ◽  
Treatment Gains ◽  
Post Hoc

Purpose A significant relationship between verbal short-term memory (STM) and language performance in people with aphasia has been found across studies. However, very few studies have examined the predictive value of verbal STM in treatment outcomes. This study aims to determine if verbal STM can be used as a predictor of treatment success. Method Retrospective data from 25 people with aphasia in a larger randomized controlled trial of phonomotor treatment were analyzed. Digit and word spans from immediately pretreatment were run in multiple linear regression models to determine whether they predict magnitude of change from pre- to posttreatment and follow-up naming accuracy. Pretreatment, immediately posttreatment, and 3 months posttreatment digit and word span scores were compared to determine if they changed following a novel treatment approach. Results Verbal STM, as measured by digit and word spans, did not predict magnitude of change in naming accuracy from pre- to posttreatment nor from pretreatment to 3 months posttreatment. Furthermore, digit and word spans did not change from pre- to posttreatment or from pretreatment to 3 months posttreatment in the overall analysis. A post hoc analysis revealed that only the less impaired group showed significant changes in word span scores from pretreatment to 3 months posttreatment. Discussion The results suggest that digit and word spans do not predict treatment gains. In a less severe subsample of participants, digit and word span scores can change following phonomotor treatment; however, the overall results suggest that span scores may not change significantly. The implications of these findings are discussed within the broader purview of theoretical and empirical associations between aphasic language and verbal STM processing.

scholarly journals Task-oriented exercises improve disability of working patients with surgically-treated proximal humeral fractures. A randomized controlled trial with one-year follow-up

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Monticone ◽  
Igor Portoghese ◽  
Daniele Cazzaniga ◽  
Valentina Liquori ◽  
Giuseppe Marongiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Rehabilitation Program ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
One Year ◽  
Task Oriented

Abstract Background General physiotherapy is a common means of rehabilitation after surgery for proximal humeral fracture (PHF). Better-targeted exercises seem worthy of investigation and the aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a rehabilitation program including task-oriented exercises in improving disability, pain, and quality of life in patients after a PHF. Methods By means of a randomized controlled trial with one-year follow-up, 70 working patients (mean age of 49 ± 11 years; 41 females), who were selected for open reduction and internal fixation with plates caused by PHF, were randomized to be included in an experimental (n = 35) or control group (n = 35). There was a permuted-block randomization plan, and a list of program codes was previously created; subsequently, an automatic assignment system was used to conceal the allocation. The first group underwent a supervised rehabilitation program of task-oriented exercises based on patients’ specific job activities, and occupational therapy. The second group underwent general physiotherapy, including supervised mobility, strengthening and stretching exercises. Both groups individually followed programs of 60-min session three times per week for 12 weeks in the outpatient setting. The Disability Arm Shoulder Hand questionnaire (DASH; scores range from 0 to 100; primary outcome), a Pain intensity Numerical Rating Scale (scores range 0 to 10; secondary outcomes), and the Short-Form Health Survey (scores range from 0 to 100; secondary outcomes) assessed the interventions. Participants were evaluated before surgery, before and after rehabilitation (primary endpoint), and at the one-year follow-up (secondary endpoint). A linear mixed model analysis for repeated measures was carried out for each outcome measure (p < 0.05). Results Time, group and time by group showed significant effects for all outcome measures in favour of the experimental group. The DASH and the DASH work achieved clinically important between-group differences of 16.0 points (95% confidence interval [C.I.] 7.3 to 24.7) and 19.7 (95% C.I. 9.0 to 30.5) at follow-up, respectively. The NRS achieved a between-group difference of 2.9 (95% C.I. 1.0 to 3.9) at follow-up. As for SF-36, there were between-group differences ranging from 17.9 to 37.0 at follow-up. Conclusions A rehabilitation program based on task-oriented exercises was useful in improving disability, pain, and quality of life in working patients after PHFs. Improvements lasted for at least 12 months. Trial registration On 16/12/2019, the trial was retrospectively registered in the ISRCTN registry with the ID number 17996552.

scholarly journals Endothelial Dysfunction, Atherosclerosis, and Increase of von Willebrand Factor and Factor VIII: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Swine

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ferdows Atiq ◽  
Jens van de Wouw ◽  
Oana Sorop ◽  
Ilkka Heinonen ◽  
Moniek P. M. de Maat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
Willebrand Factor

AbstractIt is well known that high von Willebrand factor (VWF) and factor VIII (FVIII) levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It is still debated whether VWF and FVIII are biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis or whether they have a direct causative role. Therefore, we aimed to unravel the pathophysiological pathways of increased VWF and FVIII levels associated with cardiovascular risk factors. First, we performed a randomized controlled trial in 34 Göttingen miniswine. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced with streptozotocin and hypercholesterolemia (HC) via a high-fat diet in 18 swine (DM + HC), while 16 healthy swine served as controls. After 5 months of follow-up, FVIII activity (FVIII:C) was significantly higher in DM + HC swine (5.85 IU/mL [5.00–6.81]) compared with controls (4.57 [3.76–5.40], p = 0.010), whereas VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) was similar (respectively 0.34 IU/mL [0.28–0.39] vs. 0.34 [0.31–0.38], p = 0.644). DM + HC swine had no endothelial dysfunction or atherosclerosis during this short-term follow-up. Subsequently, we performed a long-term (15 months) longitudinal cohort study in 10 Landrace–Yorkshire swine, in five of which HC and in five combined DM + HC were induced. VWF:Ag was higher at 15 months compared with 9 months in HC (0.37 [0.32–0.42] vs. 0.27 [0.23–0.40], p = 0.042) and DM + HC (0.33 [0.32–0.37] vs. 0.25 [0.24–0.33], p = 0.042). Both long-term groups had endothelial dysfunction compared with controls and atherosclerosis after 15 months. In conclusion, short-term hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia increase FVIII, independent of VWF. Long-term DM and HC increase VWF via endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Therefore, VWF seems to be a biomarker for advanced cardiovascular disease.

Endoscopic sutured gastroplasty in addition to lifestyle modification: short-term efficacy in a controlled randomised trial

Gut ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. gutjnl-2020-322026
Author(s):  
Vincent Huberty ◽  
Ivo Boskoski ◽  
Vincenzo Bove ◽  
Pauline Van Ouytsel ◽  
Guido Costamagna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Lifestyle Modification ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Randomised Trial ◽  
Body Weight Loss ◽  
Total Body Weight ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Randomised Controlled

ObjectiveEndoscopic suture gastroplasty (ESG) has been developed as an alternative treatment for moderately obese patients. We present our results of a short-term randomised controlled trial on a new suturing technique, the Endomina system (E-ESG, Endo Tools therapeutics, Belgium).DesignEligible patients (body mass index 30–40 kg/m2) were randomised in a 2:1 ratio to receive lifestyle modification plus E-ESG or lifestyle modification alone (control group); dietetic counselling and follow-up were identical. Endpoints included a mean excess weight loss (EWL) of more than 25% 12 months after E-ESG and a 15% EWL difference at 6 months between groups. At 6 months, a cross-over to E-ESG was offered to the control group. All patients were followed for a total of 12 months after E-ESG.ResultsOf the 71 patients included (five male, mean age 40 years), mean EWL at 6 months was significantly higher in the treatment (38.6%, n=45) than in the control group (13.4%, n=21; p<0.001). At 6 months, satiety tests demonstrated a higher decrease in mean volume (41% vs 2.5%, p<0.001), and mean quality of life (QoL) was also higher in the treatment group (52.8 vs 45.1 p<0.05). No procedure-related or device-related severe adverse events were observed. Twelve months follow-up after E-ESG showed a mean EWL of 45.1%, which translated into a total body weight loss of 11.8%.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that E-ESG is safe and effective, providing a 25% better EWL at 6 months than lifestyle modification alone. This weight loss was maintained and resulted in a significant improvement in QoL up to 18 months after treatment.Trial registration numberNCT03255005.

scholarly journals One-year follow-up of a randomised controlled trial on added splinting to eccentric exercises in chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy

2008 ◽  
Vol 44 (9) ◽  
pp. 673-677 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. de Jonge ◽  
R. J. de Vos ◽  
H. T. M. Van Schie ◽  
J. A. N. Verhaar ◽  
A. Weir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Achilles Tendinopathy ◽  
One Year ◽  
Randomised Controlled

scholarly journals Effects of Educational Counseling as Solitary Therapy for Chronic Primary Tinnitus and Related Problems

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Qing Liu ◽  
Zhi-Ji Chen ◽  
Gang Li ◽  
Dan Lai ◽  
Peng Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Dietary Advice ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Educational Counseling ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
The Impact

The aim of this study was to evaluate the early and sustained effects of tinnitus educational counseling on chronic primary tinnitus and related problems. A descriptive longitudinal cohort study was conducted with 159 adult patients suffering from chronic primary tinnitus and sleep problems. All patients received tinnitus educational counseling, sleep adjustment, and vegan dietary advice. At short-term assessment within 3 months and long-term follow-up at 6–26 months, perceived changes in tinnitus were assessed with the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and the Tinnitus Evaluation Questionnaire (TEQ), respectively. In TEQ, the volume of subjective tinnitus was scored according to realistic environments in which tinnitus could be heard. Sleep quality was assessed with questionnaires developed in our laboratory. Most of the subjects showed significant early improvement in their THI scores (96/159, 60.38%; from 46.11 ± 22.74 to 31.94 ± 20.41,t= 11.16,p< 0.001, Cohen’sd= 0.66). Tinnitus volume (39/159, 24.53%, from 2,2 to 2,1,z= -3.56,p< 0.001) and sleep quality (68/159, 42.77%; from 7.13 ± 3.11 to 6.31 ± 2.75,t= 3.73,p< 0.001, Cohen’sd= 0.28) were also improved. Long-term follow-up TEQ results indicated that tinnitus loudness, the impact of tinnitus on sleep, concentration, and emotional state were all improved since the prior consultation (p= 0.001, 0.026, 0.012, and <0.001). Short-term improvement of tinnitus severity correlated directly with improvement of sleep quality (odds ratio (OR) = 0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14–0.64,p= 0.002), initial THI score (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.04,p= 0.006), compliance with sleep advice (OR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.02–5.05,p= 0.044), and nervous disposition (OR = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.25–6.30,p= 0.013). A future randomized controlled trial would be carried out to examine the effect of sole tinnitus educational counseling.

scholarly journals Randomised controlled trial of the new short-term online emotion focused training for self-compassion and self-protection in a nonclinical sample

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 333-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Júlia Halamová ◽  
Martin Kanovský ◽  
Karolína Varšová ◽  
Nuriye Kupeli
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Clinical Population ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Self Protection

AbstractThe Emotion Focused Training for Self-Compassion and Self-Protection (EFT-SCP) is an intervention developed to increase skills of self-compassion and protective anger with the aim to decrease self-criticism. This novel intervention was developed on the basis of the latest findings on self-criticism from Emotion-focused therapy and previous programs cultivating compassion (namely Compassion Mind Training and Mindful Self-Compassion Program). According to existing research, simply cultivating self-compassion is not always sufficient in reducing self-criticism. Therefore, the EFT-SCP was designed to build self-compassion whilst developing protective anger to combat self-criticism. Our goal was to investigate the efficacy of this new, short-term, online EFT-SCP program in a non-clinical population. A randomized control trial was conducted with pre- and post-intervention measurements and two-month follow-up of self-compassion and self-criticism/reassurance. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants through a snowballing technique on social media. A total of 123 participants were randomly allocated to the EFT-SCP intervention or to a control condition. The intervention group were instructed through emails to complete an EFT-SCP task every day for 14 consecutive days. The control group did not complete any tasks. Out of 123 participants, 31 from intervention group and 20 from control group completed all measurements. There was a significant effect of the EFT-SCP on increasing self-compassion and self-reassurance scores as reported at two-month follow-up. The EFT-SCP was also effective at reducing self-uncompassionate responding and self-criticism (specifically Hated self) with changes evident at two months post-intervention. These findings are encouraging and suggest that interventions designed to enhance self-compassion and decrease self-criticism can be delivered to broader populations without the direct contact with mental health professionals.

Short-Term Results of Endoscopic Percutaneous Longitudinal Tenotomy for Noninsertional Achilles Tendinopathy and the Presentation of a Simplified Operative Method

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-78
Author(s):  
Michel Chraim ◽  
Hamza M. Alrabai ◽  
Sabine Krenn ◽  
Peter Bock ◽  
Hans-Jörg Trnka
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Achilles Tendinopathy ◽  
Operation Technique ◽  
Outpatient Basis ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Pain Visual Analog Scale ◽  
Postoperative Thrombosis

Purpose: This study was aimed to review the short-term results of endoscopic percutaneous longitudinal tenotomy for noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy using the Centerline Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release instrument (Arthrex). This method simplifies the operation technique, allows a good endoscopic visualisation of the Achilles tendon with very promising results. Methods: We performed multiple percutaneous longitudinal tenotomies under local anesthesia in 24 patients (25 tendons) with Achilles tendinopathy or peritendinitis that had failed conservative treatment between January 2013 and September 2016. All ambulatory procedures consisted of paratenon release and longitudinal tenotomies. The results were reviewed in 22 patients (23 tendons) at an average follow-up period of 22.5 months (range 10-36 months). Patients’ satisfaction and functional outcomes were evaluated using the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire, the pain visual analog scale (VAS), and the functional foot index. Results: Initial results are very promising with excellent results in 12 patients, good results in 9 patients, and fair result in 1 patient. One patient developed a postoperative thrombosis of the operated limb. Another patient developed a hypertrophic painful scar of the incision wound. The VAS for pain decreased drastically after the index procedure and averaged to 0.2 (SD 0.447). The VISA-A questionnaire score had improved from 42 ± 7.2 points preoperatively to 96.8 ± 14.3 points postoperatively (P = .004). The functional foot index decreased from 84 (SD 30.517) to 33.4 (SD 6.452) on the follow-up examination. Conclusions: The endoscopic-assisted longitudinal tenotomies procedure of the Achilles tendon is easily feasible and can be performed on an outpatient basis, produces minimal complications and shows excellent results. The described technique is recommended for all surgeons especially for those familiar with endoscopy of the Achilles tendon. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV: Case Series

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