scholarly journals TREATMENT OF SPORT INJURIES WITH ACUPUNCTURE: A LITERATURE REVIEW

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 316-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiza Borges Gentil
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scales ◽  
Sports Injuries ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Placebo Control ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Level Ii ◽  
Research Level ◽  
Evidence Rating ◽  
Acupuncture Research

ABSTRACT As acupuncture is growing in popularity in Brazil and worldwide, it is necessary to study the benefits and possibilities of this type of treatment more in depth, especially as it is believed to produce fast results with few side effects and does not involve substances banned in sports. Thus, it seems like a good option to be considered as main or adjuvant therapy in sports-related injuries. In order to gain more knowledge about this subject, this article is an integrative review analyzing the publications of the period between January 2012 and January 2017 on the Cochrane and Pubmed platforms that analyzed acupuncture in the treatment of sports injuries. We found 49 articles, 11 of which fulfilled the inclusion criteria: two case reports, three clinical trials and six literature reviews. Although all the articles analyzed produced favorable results with the use of the therapeutic technique in question, flaws in the designs of the studies and the difficulty of creating a placebo control group in acupuncture hinder the qualification of the articles on evidence rating scales. Therefore, it is suggested to the researchers that further studies be published with experimental animal models and observational studies, and that STRICTA recommendations be followed to improve the level of evidence of acupuncture research. Level of Evidence II; Systematic review of level II studies.

scholarly journals Plantar flexion, dorsiflexion, range of movement and hindfoot deviation are important determinants of foot function in children

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 486-499
Author(s):  
C. Alves ◽  
M. Lysenko ◽  
G. A. Tomlinson ◽  
J. Donovan ◽  
U. G. Narayanan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Foot Deformities ◽  
Physical Domain ◽  
Range Of Movement ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Hindfoot Alignment ◽  
Level Ii ◽  
Children And Parents ◽  
Foot Function

Purpose Paediatric foot surgery is often performed to restore anatomical shape or range of movement (ROM). The purpose of this study was to determine how foot morphology and ROM are associated with foot function in children aged five to 16 years of age. Methods Participants included 89 patients with foot disorders and 58 healthy controls. In addition to measuring children’s foot alignment and ankle ROM, children and parents completed the Oxford Ankle and Foot Questionnaire (OxAFQ). Results Mean age was 10.3 years for patients and 10.6 years for controls; 53 of 89 patients had clubfoot. All foot measurements and scores on the OxAFQ significantly differed (p < 0.001) between patients and controls. Patients and their parents significantly differed on the physical (p = 0.03) and emotional (p = 0.02) domains of the OxAFQ, with parents’ ratings being lower than their children. Moderate correlations (r = 0.54 to 0.059; p < 0.001) were found between physical domain (reported by parents on the OxAFQ) and dorsiflexion-knee flexed, and foot- arc-of-movement. Moderate correlations were found between physical domain (reported by children on OxAFQ) and foot-arc-of-movement (r = 0.56; p < 0.001). Patients in the surgical group showed moderate correlations (r = 0.57;, p < 0.001) between physical domain (reported by children on OxAFQ) and plantar flexion, and foot arc-of-movement. The control group and the patients in non-surgical subgroup showed no significant correlations. Conclusion Plantar flexion, arc of ankle ROM and hindfoot alignment impact foot function in children with foot deformities. Parents report significantly lower scores on the OxAFQ when judging foot functioning. Level of evidence Level II. Prognostic Studies

scholarly journals Corticosteroid Injection for the Treatment of Morton’s Neuroma: A Prospective, Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (9) ◽  
pp. 944-951 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xavier Lizano-Díez ◽  
Alberto Ginés-Cespedosa ◽  
Eduard Alentorn-Geli ◽  
Daniel Pérez-Prieto ◽  
Gemma González-Lucena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Local Anesthetic ◽  
Corticosteroid Injection ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Placebo Control ◽  
Morton’S Neuroma ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Morton's Neuroma ◽  
And Function

Background: The effectiveness of corticosteroid injection for the treatment of Morton’s neuroma is unclear. In addition, most of the studies related to it are case-control or retrospective case series. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness between corticosteroid injection associated with local anesthetic and local anesthetic alone (placebo control group) for the treatment of Morton’s neuroma. Methods: Forty-one patients with a diagnosis of Morton’s neuroma were randomized to receive 3 injections of either a corticosteroid plus a local anesthetic or a local anesthetic alone. The patients and the researcher who collected data were blinded to the treatment groups. The visual analog scale for pain and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Score (metatarsophalangeal/interphalangeal score) were obtained at baseline, after each injection, and at 3 and 6 months after the last injection. Results: There were no significant between-group differences in terms of pain and function improvement at 3 and 6 months after treatment completion in comparison with baseline values. At the end of the study, 17 (48.5%) patients requested surgical excision of the neuroma: 7 (44%) in the experimental group and 10 (53%) in the control group ( P = 1.0). Conclusion: The injection of a corticosteroid plus a local anesthetic was not superior to a local anesthetic alone in terms of pain and function improvement in patients with Morton’s neuroma. Level of Evidence: Level I, randomized controlled trial.

scholarly journals The use of skeletal muscle relaxants in musculoskeletal injuries: what is the evidence?

2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 7-16
Author(s):  
Dina C. Janse van Rensburg ◽  
Audrey Jansen van Rensburg ◽  
Gehart Kalmeier ◽  
Carel T. Viljoen ◽  
Dimakatso A. Ramagole ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Sports Injuries ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Pain Syndrome ◽  
Muscle Relaxants ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Ovid Medline ◽  
Lower Back ◽  
Exercise Muscle ◽  
Myofacial Pain

Skeletal muscle relaxants (SMRs) consist of a heterogeneous group of medications with a side effect profile of concern. The aim of this paper was to review the evidence of use of SMRs in the treatment of sports injuries. A literature search between 2005 – 2018 (Ovid MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus and SCOPUS) were conducted. In addition, citations within articles were searched, and the most commonly prescribed SMRs in South Africa were also used to explore the literature for additional publications. Relevant studies that met the inclusion criteria were selected. Clinical recommendations for general practitioners are given based on the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) level of evidence. Combination drugs rather than single agents are mostly used, however the effectiveness of SMR agents, single and in combination, as well as its significance as opposed to analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, still has to be evaluated. Evidence suggest SMRs to be probably effective for use in non-specific lower back pain (acute and chronic lower back muscle strains, ligament sprains, soft tissue contusions), as well as for whiplash associated disorder, mechanical neck disorders, piriformis syndrome, lateral epicondylosis, and plantar fasciitis. It does not appear if there is a role for SMRs as part of combination management for acute cervical strains, post-exercise muscle soreness or myofacial pain syndrome. However, substantial evidence to confirm the use of SMRs in the treatment of sports injuries have not been adequately investigated and is currently largely based on case reports and general reviews.

ICT-supported social work interventions with youth: A critical review

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 468-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chitat Chan
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
Indirect Evidence ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Level Ii ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Level I ◽  
Social Work Interventions

Summary In youth social work, the trend of using various forms of information and communication technology (ICT) is increasing. However, evidence showing in what ways ICT has enhanced intervention effectiveness is loosely organized. This study conducted a systematic review of ICT-supported social work interventions with youth, targeting peer-reviewed articles in 64 social work journals published between 2000 and 2014. The included studies ( N = 13) were analysed with particular reference to their level of evidence, internal validity and approach to evaluating the role of ICT. Findings All the included studies presented positive outcomes: 54% of them provided level-I evidence (RCTs), 15% provided level-II evidence (case–control trials without randomization) and 31% provided level-III evidence (case reports). All of them were of ‘good’ or ‘fair’ quality in terms of their internal validity. However, there were only three studies which could provide direct evidence indicating that interventions using ICT were more effective than interventions without using ICT. Most of the remainder provided indirect evidence suggesting that the use of ICT might be associated with positive intervention outcomes. Applications These studies provide useful insights that help advance social work knowledge. Yet there is room for improvement in the conceptualization of ICT, and in research designs for evaluating the role of ICT.

Driving After Hallux Valgus Surgery

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (9) ◽  
pp. 982-986 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth McDonald ◽  
Rachel Shakked ◽  
Joseph Daniel ◽  
David I. Pedowitz ◽  
Brian S. Winters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Hallux Valgus ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Metatarsal Osteotomy ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
First Metatarsal ◽  
Institutional Review ◽  
Level Ii ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Correction Surgery

Background: The purpose of the study was to determine when patients can safely return to driving after first metatarsal osteotomy for hallux valgus correction. Methods: After institutional review board approval, 60 patients undergoing right first metatarsal osteotomy for hallux valgus correction surgery were recruited prospectively. Patients’ brake reaction time (BRT) was tested at 6 weeks and repeated until patients achieved a passing BRT. A control group of twenty healthy patients was used to establish as passing BRT. Patients were given a novel driver readiness survey to complete. Results: At 6 weeks, 51 of the 60 patients (85%) had BRT less than 0.85 seconds and were considered safe to drive. At 6 weeks, the passing group average was 0.64 seconds. At the 8 weeks, 59 patients (100%) of those who completed the study achieved a passing BRT. Patients that failed at 6 weeks had statistically greater visual analog scale (VAS) pain score and diminished first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) range of motion (ROM). On the novel driver readiness survey, 8 of the 9 patients (89%) who did not pass disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement, “Based on what I think my braking reaction time is, I think that I am ready to drive.” Conclusion: Most patients may be informed that they can safely return to driving 8 weeks after right metatarsal osteotomy for hallux valgus correction. Some patients may be eligible to return to driving sooner depending on their VAS, first MTP ROM, and driver readiness survey results. Level of Evidence: Level II, comparative study

scholarly journals Minimally Invasive Hallux Valgus Surgery. A Systematic Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edvin Selmani ◽  
Fatmir Brahimi ◽  
Leard Duraj ◽  
Valbona Selmani ◽  
Gjergji Syko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Hallux Valgus ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Minimally Invasive Procedures ◽  
Percutaneous Surgery ◽  
Invasive Procedures ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Level Ii ◽  
Evidence Rating

This systematic review aims to illustrate the published results of “minimally invasive” procedures for correction of hallux valgus. Based on former systematic reviews on that topic, the literature search was organised by two independent investigators. MEDLINE was systematically searched for available studies. The keywords used were “hallux valgus”, “bunion”, “percutaneous surgery”, “minimally invasive surgery”, “arthroscopy”, “Bosch” and “SERI”. Studies were assessed using the level of evidence rating. A total of 21 papers were included in this review. These studies described a total of 1,750 patients with 2,195 instances of percutaneous, minimally invasive or arthroscopic hallux valgus surgery. Clinical reports of results after minimally invasive hallux valgus surgery at meetings are common. Published results in peer-reviewed journals are less common and the majority of papers are level IV studies according to the level of evidence ratings. We found one level II and three level III studies. Reported complications seem to be less than one may see in one’s own clinical practice. This possible bias may be related to the fact that most studies are published by centres performing primarily minimally invasive hallux valgus surgery.

scholarly journals Progress in human ovarian rejuvenation: Current platelet-rich plasma and condensed cytokine research activity by scope and international origin

2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 311-315
Author(s):  
E. Scott Sills ◽  
Samuel H. Wood
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Full Text ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Platelet Rich Plasma ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Placebo Control ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Small Series ◽  
Abstract Content

Objective: As clinicians and patients await consensus on intraovarian platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment, this project evaluated contemporary research trends in the literature. Methods: A PubMed/NLM search aggregated all ovarian PRP-related publications (n=54) to evaluate their scope, abstract utility, submission-to-publication interval, journal selected, article processing charge (APC), free reader access to full-text manuscripts, number and nationality of authors, and inclusion of international collaborators. The NIH Clinical Trials database was also audited. Results: Published output on intraovarian PRP has increased consistently since 2016, especially among investigators in Greece, Iran, USA, and Turkey. Between 2013 and 2021, 42 articles met the relevancy criteria, of which 40.5% reported clinical studies, small series, or case reports, 33% described experimental animal models, and 23.8% were opinion/review papers. Only two works included a placebo control group. The submission-to-publication interval (mean±standard deviation) was 130±96 days, there were 5.9±3.2 authors per project, and journals invoiced US $1,642±1,466 (range, $0–$3,860) for APCs. Conclusion: There was no correlation between APC and time to publish (Pearson’s r=–0.01). Abstract content was inconsistent; sample size and patient age were often missing, yet free full-text “open access” was available for most publications (59.5%). The NIH Clinical Trials portal lists eight registered studies on “ovarian rejuvenation,” of which two are actively recruiting patients, while four have been terminated or have an uncertain status. Two studies have concluded, with results from one posted to the NIH website. PRP and its derivatives for ovarian treatment show early promise, but require further investigation. Research is accelerating and should be encouraged, particularly placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials.

scholarly journals Why Doulas Need to be the Norm, Not the Exception

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scales ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
The United States ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Surgical Interventions ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Evidence Rating ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

The rate of cesarean sections is increasing in many countries. The cesarean rate within the United States was reported at 32% in 2015. The risk to mother and baby and the cost of the surgical interventions can burden the healthcare system. Doula support for laboring women has been increasing since the term was first used in 1976. What is the impact of doula support for women during labor? An electronic literature search was conducted utilizing PubMed, CINAHL Plus, and PsychINFO for the search terms “doula”, “birth companion”, and “continuous labor support” published between January 2012 and June 2017. A total of 10 papers were selected for the review based on the inclusion criteria. The 10 studies were reviewed and categorized according to level of evidence and the quality of scientific evidence based on Johns Hopkins Evidence Rating Scales. Findings suggest that there are numerous benefits and no harms identified to providing doula support.

ESTIMATING EFFECTS OF SYSTEMATIC TREATMENT ON RENAL FAILURE AND DEATH WITHOUT A PARALLEL PLACEBO CONTROL GROUP

Nephrology ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. A97-A97
Author(s):  
Hoy We ◽  
Baker P ◽  
Wang Z ◽  
Cass A ◽  
Mathews Jd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renal Failure ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Placebo Control ◽  
Systematic Treatment ◽  
Placebo Control Group

Quantitative Analysis of Deltoid Ligament Degradation in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability Using Computed Tomographic Images

2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072199707
Author(s):  
Yasunari Ikuta ◽  
Tomoyuki Nakasa ◽  
Junichi Sumii ◽  
Akinori Nekomoto ◽  
Nobuo Adachi
Keyword(s):  
Ankle Instability ◽  
Ct Images ◽  
Chronic Ankle Instability ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Deltoid Ligament ◽  
Anterior Talofibular Ligament ◽  
Mri Findings ◽  
Calcaneofibular Ligament ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Strong Negative Correlation

Background: Rotational ankle instability (RAI) is associated with the faster onset of severe ankle osteoarthritis via dysfunction of the anterior talofibular ligament, calcaneofibular ligament, and deltoid ligament. No specific clinical examination is available for RAI, and diagnostic imaging has limitations in evaluating ligament degradation. This study investigated the deltoid ligament degeneration using Hounsfield unit (HU) values on computed tomography (CT) images. Methods: Patients were enrolled in this retrospective analysis if they had undergone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT scans of the ankle. The chronic ankle instability (CAI) group comprised 20 ankles with CAI (9 men, 11 women; mean age, 28.7 years) and the control group comprised 28 ankles (16 men, 12 women, mean age, 41.3 years). The average HU values of the deep posterior tibiotalar ligament (dPTL) that constitutes the deltoid ligament were measured on coronal CT images, and MRI results were used as a reference. All patients were subdivided based on the MRI findings of dPTL injury such as fascicular disruption, irregularity, and the loss of striation. Results: A strong negative correlation was identified between age and HU values for all patients (Spearman ρ = −0.63; P < .001). The mean HU values of the dPTL for participants aged <60 years were 81.0 HU for the control group (21 ankles) and 69.5 HU for the CAI group ( P = .0075). No significant differences in the HU values were observed for the dPTL among the MRI subgroups. Conclusion: In addition to the conventional imaging examination such as stress radiographs and MRI, HU measurements of CT images could be useful for quantitatively and noninvasively evaluating degenerative changes in the deltoid ligament for CAI patients to assist the diagnosis of RAI. Level of Evidence: Level III. case-control study.

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