Effects of a motor imagery-based exercise protocol on chronic pain and emotional distress in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: A pilot study

Author(s):  
Teresa Paolucci ◽  
Francesco Agostini ◽  
Massimiliano Mangone ◽  
Andrea Torquati ◽  
Simona Scienza ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread muscular or musculoskeletal pain of at least 3 months’ duration, occurring above and below the waist, on both sides of the body. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a rehabilitation program based on motor imagery versus a conventional exercise program in FM in terms of pain, functional and psychological outcomes. METHODS: Twenty-nine female subjects were randomly assigned to a group receiving motor imagery-based rehabilitation (MIG) or to a control group (CG) performing conventional rehabilitation. Outcome assessments were performed before (T0) and after 10 sessions of treatment (T1) and at a 12-week follow-up (T2). Pain, function and psychological measurements were conducted by means of different questionnaires. RESULTS: Both treatments improved all outcomes at post-treatment (T1) and follow-up (T2). The MIG showed a significant improvement in anxiety disorder associated with FM with respect to the CG, as well as improvements in coping strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Rehabilitation treatment based on motor imagery showed a stronger effect on anxiety and coping behavior than traditional physiotherapy in patients with FM. Integrated psychological support would be desirable in this setting. Further research is needed to explore the aspects investigated in more depth.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michał Waszczykowski ◽  
Bożena Dziankowska-Bartkowiak ◽  
Michał Podgórski ◽  
Jarosław Fabiś ◽  
Arleta Waszczykowska

AbstractThe aim of this study was to estimate the long-term results of complex and supervised rehabilitation of the hands in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. Fifty-one patients were enrolled in this study: 27 patients (study group) were treated with a 4-week complex, supervised rehabilitation protocol. The control group of 24 patients was prescribed a home exercise program alone. Both groups were evaluated at baseline and after 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-months of follow-up with the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DAHS) as the primary outcome, pain (VAS—visual analog scale), Cochin Hand Function Scale (CHFS), Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), Scleroderma-HAQ (SHAQ), range of motion (d-FTP—delta finger to palm, Kapandji finger opposition test) and hand grip and pinch as the secondary outcomes. Only the study group showed significant improvements in the DASH, VAS, CHFS and SHAQ after 1, 3 and 6 months of follow-up (P = 0.0001). Additionally, moderate correlations between the DASH, CHFS and SHAQ (R = 0.7203; R = 0.6788; P = 0.0001) were found. Complex, supervised rehabilitation improves hand and overall function in SSc patients up to 6 months after the treatment but not in the long term. The regular repetition of this rehabilitation program should be recommended every 3–6 months to maintain better hand and overall function.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 366-375
Author(s):  
Eun Sun Ji ◽  
Ka Ka Shim

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a community-based follow-up program on parenting stress, parenting efficacy, and coping among parents with premature infants.Methods: A non-equivalent control group pre-post quasi-experimental design was used. This program consisted of structured home visits and self-help group meetings for 6 months. The experimental group (n=29) received visits by an experienced neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse and the control group (n=27) was visited by a visiting nurse. Data were analyzed using the <i>x</i><sup>2</sup> test, t-test, and analysis of covariance.Results: Parents' coping behavior significantly differed in the experimental group compared to the control group (t=3.14, <i>p</i>=.003). In particular, coping subscale I, for maintaining the family situation (t=2.63, <i>p</i>=.011), and subscale III, for understanding the infant's medical situation (t=4.30, <i>p</i><.001), showed significant differences in the experimental group. There were no significant between-group differences in parenting stress or parenting efficacy.Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that home visits by an experienced NICU nurse provided through a community-based follow-up program were an effective intervention to improve coping behavior among parents with premature infants.


2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 482-489
Author(s):  
Romana Romanov ◽  
Ladislav Mesarič ◽  
Dušan Perić ◽  
Jasna Vešligaj Damiš ◽  
Yoana Petrova Filišič

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effects of adapted physical exercise on the level of muscular ability and attention process in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Patients and methods: Between September 2018 and November 2018, a total of 25 male patients with TBI (mean age: 41.1±9.7 years; range, 30 to 50 years) that occurred two years ago were included in this randomized-controlled study. The patients were divided into two groups as the experimental group (n=13) and the control group (n=12). The experimental group implemented a regular rehabilitation program and an additional program of adapted physical exercise. The control group implemented only a regular rehabilitation program (morning gymnastics and gymnastics for the brain). Motor and functional abilities were assessed by a Senior Fitness battery and Berg's balance scale. Attention process was assessed by a standardized d2 test. Results: A significant improvement in physical abilities (strength, flexibility and balance) and attention process was observed in both groups (p<0.01). The improvement was greater in the experimental group (p<0.01). Conclusion: Traumatic brain injury causes difficulties in the memory and executive functions of the body and impairs working ability. The short-term adapted physical exercise program can yield a positive change in working abilities of patients with TBI.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 913.2-914
Author(s):  
T. Birinci ◽  
E. Kaya Mutlu ◽  
S. Altun

Background:Elbow fracture is treated either conservatively or surgically followed by a period of immobilization with casting or splinting. A splint used to immobilize upper limbs for many weeks results in changes in both the peripheral musculature and the central nervous system. It is well known that common complaints after upper limb fractures include weakness, pain, and stiffness; therefore, pain management is important in the early stages of the rehabilitation of upper limb fractures.Objectives:This pilot study aimed to investigate the efficacy of graded motor imaginary (GMI) on pain, range of motion (ROM), and function in patients with posttraumatic stiff elbow.Methods:Fourteen patients with posttraumatic stiff elbow (6 women, mean age: 45.42 ± 11.26 years, mean body mass index: 24.29 ± 3.38 kg\m2and mean duration of immobilization: 4.75 ± 1.03 weeks) were randomly allocated to either GMI or control groups. The GMI group received GMI treatment in addition to a structured exercise program, and the control group received a structured exercise program (two days per week for six weeks) (Figure 1). The assessments included pain at rest and during activity using the visual analog scale (VAS), elbow active ROM with a digital goniometer (Baseline Evaluation Instrument, Fabrication Enterprises, Inc., White Plains, NY), and upper extremity functional status using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH). The assessments were performed at baseline and after the 6-week intervention.Figure 1.Graded motor imagery performed with mirror boxResults:After the 6-week intervention, there was a significant increase in elbow flexion-extension ROM and supination-pronation ROM, and improvement in DASH score in both groups (p<0.05). However, improvement in VAS-rest and VAS-activity was significantly higher in the GMI group than the control group (p=0.03 and p=0.01, respectively).Conclusion:A conservative treatment program consisting of GMI treatment in addition to a structured exercise program applied twice a week for 6 weeks, has been found more effective in decreasing pain in the posttraumatic stiff elbow. It could be concluded that GMI is an effective treatment method for elbow fracture in patients with predominant elbow pain.References:[1] Harris JE, Hebert A. Utilization of motor imagery in upper limb rehabilitation: a systematic scoping review. Clin Rehab. 2015:29(11):1092-1107.[2] Opie GM, Evans A, Ridding MC, Semmler JG. Short-term immobilization influences use-dependent cortical plasticity and fine motor performance. Neuroscience. 2016:330:247-256.[3] Birinci T, Razak Ozdincler A, Altun S, Kural C. A structured exercise programme combined with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching or static stretching in posttraumatic stiffness of the elbow: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehab. 2019:33(2):241-252.Acknowledgments:The present work was supported by the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa (Project No: TDK-2019-33997).Disclosure of Interests:None declared


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 100.3-100
Author(s):  
Y. Wang ◽  
X. Liu ◽  
Y. Shi ◽  
X. Ji ◽  
W. Wang ◽  
...  

Background:Clinical practice guidelines recommend that exercise is an essential component in the self-management of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). Attending supervised interventions requiring periodic medical center visits can be burdensome and patients may decline participation, whereas, effective home-based exercise interventions that do not need regular medical center visits are likely to be more accessible and acceptable for patients with AS. Recently, increasing evidences have been accumulated that the wearable devices could facilitate patients with inflammatory arthritis by giving exercise instructions and improving self-efficacy. Therefore, patients with AS may benefit from an effective technology-assisted home-based exercise intervention.Objectives:To investigate the efficacy of a comprehensive technology-assisted home-based exercise intervention on disease activity in patients with AS.Methods:This study was a 16-week assessor-blinded, randomized, waiting-list controlled trial (ChiCTR1900024244). Patients with AS were randomly allocated to the home-based exercise intervention group and the waiting-list control group. A 16-week comprehensive exercise program consisting of a moderate intensity (64%-76% HRmax) aerobic training for 30min on 5 days/week and a functional training for 60min on 3 days/week was given to patients in the intervention group immediately after randomization, with 1.5h training sessions for two consecutive days by a study physical therapist at baseline and Week 8. The aerobic exercise intensity was controlled by a Mio FUSE Wristband with a smartphone application. The functional training consisted of the posture training, range of motion exercises, strength training, stability training and stretching exercises. Patients in control group received standard care during the 16-week follow-up and started to receive the exercise program at Week 16. The primary outcome was ASDAS at Week 16. The secondary outcomes were BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, ASAS HI, peak oxygen uptake, body composition and muscle endurance tests. The mean difference between groups in change from baseline was analyzed with the analysis of covariance.Results:A total of 54 patients with AS were enrolled (26 in intervention group and 28 in control group) and 46 (85.2%) patients completed the 16-week follow-up. The mean difference of ASDAS between groups in change from baseline to 16-week follow-up was −0.2 (95% CI, −0.4 to 0.003, P = 0.032), and the mean change from baseline was -0.4 (95% CI, -0.5 to -0.2) in the intervention group vs -0.1 (95% CI, -0.3 to 0.01) in the control group, respectively. Significant between-group differences were found between groups for BASDAI (−0.5 [95% CI, −0.9 to −0.2], P = 0.004), BASMI (−0.7 [95% CI, −1.1 to −0.4], P <0.001), BASFI (−0.3 [95% CI, −0.6 to 0.01], P=0.035), peak oxygen uptake (2.7 [95% CI, 0.02 to 5.3] ml/kg/min, P=0.048) and extensor endurance test (17.8 [95% CI, 0.5 to 35.2]s, P=0.044) at Week 16. Between-group differences were detected in ASAS HI (−0.9 [95% CI, −1.7 to −0.1], P=0.030), body fat percentage (−1.0 [95% CI, −2.0 to −0.01] %, P=0.048) and visceral adipose tissue (−4.9 [95% CI, −8.5 to −1.4] cm2, P=0.008) at Week 8, but not at Week 16. No significant between-group differences were detected in the total lean mass, time up and go test and the flexor endurance test during the follow-up.Conclusion:Comprehensive technology-assisted home-based exercise has been shown to have beneficial effects on disease activity, physical function, spinal mobility, aerobic capacity, and body composition as well as in improving fatigue and morning stiffness of patients with AS.References:[1]van der Heijde D, Ramiro S, Landewé R, et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2017;76:978–991.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Negm ◽  
Milad Yavarai ◽  
Gian Jhangri ◽  
Robert Haennel ◽  
Allyson Jones

Abstract BackgroundThe increase rate seen in Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) for younger patients has implications for future rehabilitation demands for primary and revision THA surgery. This study aims to determine the impact of a 6-week post-operative rehabilitation program designed for THA patients ≤ 60 years on physical activity (PA) and function compared to age- and a sex-matched control group received usual postoperative care at 12-week post-THA. MethodsIn this quasi-experimental study, a cohort of THA candidates was recruited during their 6-week postoperative visit to their surgeons. The out-patient rehabilitation program consisted of 12 structured exercise classes (2 hrs/class) over 6 weeks. Physical activity was assessed using Sense Wear Pro ArmbandTM [SWA]. Participants completed the Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), and THA satisfaction questionnaire before and immediately after the intervention. ResultsThe intervention group took significantly more steps/day at the follow-up compared to baseline. The intervention group had a higher mean change in the number of weekly PA bouts than the control group. Within the intervention groups, all HOOS subscales were significantly higher at the follow-up compared to baseline. ConclusionThe augmented rehabilitation program may have immediate effects on pain relief and symptom reduction for patients (≤60 years) following THA.


2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 105-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
O.V. Zaretskaya

The article discusses the dependence on online computer games as a kind of addic- tive behavior, analyzing different viewpoints of researchers. The author represents the results of empirical studies of personality and behavioral characteristics of players, which enable to detect statistically significant differences in characteristics such as locus of control (internality / externality) and coping behavior. In the group of players internality level was lower than in the control group, and the frequency of selection of coping strategy avoidance was higher. Moreover, the author found out the correla- tion between these parameters: the level of internality is negatively correlated with the frequency of selection of avoidance strategies. These data indicate that the one of the basic factors, which forms addictive behavior, in particular, addiction to com- puter online games, is the consciousness of the degree of responsibility for one’s live, of opportunities to influence its course. These results open new perspectives for further study of the problem of computer and Internet addiction. In addition to empirical data, obtained as a result of the author's research, the article analyses well-known theoreti- cal concepts and practical work in the field of Internet addiction, coping behavior and locus of control.


Author(s):  
Jihen Maatoug ◽  
Sihem Ben Fredj ◽  
Zeineb Msakni ◽  
Emna Dendana ◽  
Jihene Sahli ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Obesity is a serious health issue and predisposes individuals to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Its prevalence in children has increased worldwide. Objective: To demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of a school-based management program based on healthy lifestyle promotion for obese and overweight adolescents in Sousse, Tunisia. Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental study among overweight and obese school children enrolled in 7th and 8th grades in Sousse, Tunisia with two groups, intervention and control. The 1-year intervention was based on promoting healthy eating and physical activity through a collective intervention for all recruited children and an individual intervention only for obese children who require intensive managing. Data collection was done before, at the end and at a 4-month follow up of the intervention, both in intervention and control groups. Results: The body mass index Z score decreased significantly from pre-intervention to post-intervention (1.89±0.57 to 1.76±0.63, p<0.001) and from post-intervention to the follow-up (1.76±0.63 to 1.55±0.68, p<0.001) in the intervention group. In the control group, it decreased significantly from pre-intervention to post-intervention but not significantly from post-intervention to follow-up assessment. Calorie intake decreased significantly both in intervention and control groups. Conclusion: This project began with introducing a new culture of health management in schools on one side and with increasing awareness of the importance of obesity prevention and treatment. The support of authorities for this type of action is very important to guarantee its sustainability.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuli Zhang ◽  
Songtao Wang ◽  
Fei Liang ◽  
Xiangyu Shuai ◽  
Weibao Liang ◽  
...  

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 8-week moderate-intensity and high-intensity accumulated exercise on insulin resistance in mice, compared with the moderate intensity continuous exercise with equal workload, which will provide an experimental reference for seeking a more reasonable and effective exercise program to break sedentary behavior and improve metabolic diseases such as IR. Methods Eighty 4-week-old C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal diet group (group C) and high-fat diet group (group H), fed with different diet. At the 10th weekend, insulin resistance model was judged by OGTT curve (AUC) and fasting blood glucose. All mice with insulin resistance were randomly divided into four groups: IR control group (IC), IR moderate-intensity continuous exercise group (IE), IR moderate-intensity accumulated exercise group (IM), IR high-intensity accumulated exercise group (IH), retained normal diet control group (C), with 12 mice for each group. All groups were fed with normal feed. The three exercise-related group performed an 8-week’s treadmill exercise program with equal workload (involve preparation and relaxation activities,0°platform slope, 5 days/week). For IE group, mice run 50min continuously with the velocity of 11m/min. For IM group,mice exercised 12.5 min per session, total 4 sessions per day, with 3-hour’s interval and the velocity of 11m/min. The IH group performed an alike exercise program with IM group, except the running speed (19m/min) and exercise time (7.5min). On the 8th weekend of exercise, FBG, OCTT, FINS, HOME- IR, and ISI were tested for each groups. Results 1. Compared with group C, body weight, FBG and OGTT-AUC were significantly increased in group H (P<0.05 or P<0.01). 76% mice were induced to insulin resistance successfully.  2. Before and after exercise intervention of 8 weeks, there were no significant changes in body weight and OGTT-AUC, while the FBG was significantly increased in IC group (P<0.05). Body weight, FBG, and OGTT-AUC significantly decreased in IE group, IM group and IH group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). 3. After 8 weeks of exercise intervention, the FBG in the IE group, IM group, and IH group were significantly lower than that in C group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the IC group, the FBG, FINS, OGTT-AUC, and HOME-IR in IM group, IH group and IE group were lower than those in the IC group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the IE group, the body weight and HOME-IR index of IH group were significantly lower than those in IE group (P<0.01). Compared with IH group, the HOME-IR in IH group was lower than that in IM group (P<0.05); There was no significant difference between IM group and IE group. Conclusions 1. Chronic moderate-intensity continuous exercise, moderate-intensity accumulated exercise, and high-intensity accumulated exercise all can effectively improve the glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in IR mice. 2.Compared with moderate-intensity accumulated exercise and moderate-intensity continuous exercise, the high-intensity accumulated exercise with equal workload is more effective in reducing the body weight and improving insulin resistance in IR mice.  


Author(s):  
Ashvini Dineshrao Pardhekar ◽  
Sadhana Misar(Wajpeyi) ◽  
Vinod Ade

Background: Sthoulya is Medovaha Strotodushtijanya vyadhi, which includes abnormal and excessive accumulation of Medodhatu in the body. This is caused by lack of physical and mental activity, daytime sleep, excessive intake of madhur (sweet), snigdha ahar (oily diet) results in  increase Kaphadosha and meda which results in Sthoulya (overweight) having symptoms of mild dysponea, thirst, drowsiness, excess sleep, appetite, offensive smell from the body, incapability to work and incapability to participate in sexual intercourse. Aim: Comparative clinical efficacy of Tryushanadi Guggul and Navaka Guggul in Sthoulya (overweight). Materials and methods: Total 60 patients of Sthoulya will enrolled and will divided into two groups (each group contains 30). Patients in group A (experimental group) will be given 1 gram Tryushanadi Guggul two times a day after meal with honey and in group B (control group)1 gram Navaka Guggul will administered two times a day after meal with honey for 30 days. Dietary changes and walking (30 minutes) will be advised to patients of both groups. Follow up will be taken on 15th day and 30th day. Assessment of subjective parameters like kshudrashwasa (exertional dyspnoea), swedadhikya (perspiration), atikshudha (increased appetite), nidradhikya (increased sleep) and objective parameters like body weight, B.M.I., mid arm circumference, waist-hip ratio and lipid profile will be done before and after treatment. Results: Subjective and objectives outcomes will be assessed by statistical analysis. Conclusion: It will be drawn from the result obtained.


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