Helen Purtill

Study to Determine the Criterion Validity of the SenseWear Armband as a Measure of Physical Activity in People With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Measuring physical activity in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is of great importance in light of the increased mortality in this population due to cardiovascular disease. Validation of activity monitors in specific populations is recommended to ensure the accuracy of physical activity measurement. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the validity of the SenseWear Pro3 Armband (SWA) as a measure of physical activity during activities of daily living (ADL) in people with RA.

Can ultrasound imaging predict the development of Achilles and patellar tendinopathy? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Ultrasound (US) imaging is commonly used to visualise tendon structure. It is not clear whether the presence of structural abnormalities in asymptomatic tendons predicts the development of future tendon symptoms in the Achilles or patellar tendon. Aim To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the ability of US imaging to predict future symptoms of patellar or Achilles tendinopathy. Methods Prospective studies that performed US imaging of Achilles OR patellar tendon structure among asymptomatic patients at baseline and a clinical measure of pain and/or function at follow-up were included. Study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool by two independent reviewers, and predictive ability of US was assessed using meta-analyses. Results The majority of participants in the review were from sporting populations. Meta-analysis revealed that tendon abnormalities on US are associated with future symptoms of both patellar and Achilles tendinopathy (RR=4.97, 95% CI 3.20 to 7.73). Subgroup analysis indicated that tendon abnormalities at baseline were associated with an increased risk of both Achilles (RR=7.33, 95% CI 2.95 to 18.24) and patellar (RR=4.35, 95% CI 2.62 to 7.23) tendinopathy. Conclusions This systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that tendon abnormalities visualised using US in asymptomatic tendons are predictive of future tendinopathy and are associated with at least a fourfold increased risk. Implications Identification of at-risk athletes using screening tools such as US may allow preventative programmes to be implemented. However, it is clear that other factors beyond tissue structure are involved in the development of lower limb tendinopathy.

Are group-based and individual physiotherapy exercise programmes equally effective for musculoskeletal conditions? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Musculoskeletal pain is common and its treatment costly. Both group and individual physiotherapy interventions which incorporate exercise aim to reduce pain and disability. Do the additional time and costs of individual physiotherapy result in superior outcomes? Objective To compare the effectiveness of group and individual physiotherapy including exercise on musculoskeletal pain and disability. Methods Eleven electronic databases were searched by two independent reviewers. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) including participants with musculoskeletal conditions which compared group and individual physiotherapy interventions that incorporated exercise were eligible. Study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale by two independent reviewers, and treatment effects were compared by meta-analyses. Results Fourteen RCTs were eligible, including patients with low back pain (7 studies), neck pain (4), knee pain (2) and shoulder pain (1). We found no clinically significant differences in pain and disability between group and individual physiotherapy involving exercise. Conclusions Only small, clinically irrelevant differences in pain or disability outcomes were found between group and individual physiotherapy incorporating exercise. Since all but one study included other interventions together with exercise in either the group or individual arm, deciphering the unique effect of the way in which exercise is delivered is difficult. Group interventions may need to be considered more often, given their similar effectiveness and potentially lower healthcare costs.

Individualised cognitive functional therapy compared with a combined exercise and pain education class for patients with non-specific chronic low back pain: study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial

Introduction Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a very common and costly musculoskeletal disorder associated with a complex interplay of biopsychosocial factors. Cognitive functional therapy (CFT) represents a novel, patient-centred intervention which directly challenges pain-related behaviours in a cognitively integrated, functionally specific and graduated manner. CFT aims to target all biopsychosocial factors that are deemed to be barriers to recovery for an individual patient with NSCLBP. A recent randomised controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated the superiority of individualised CFT for NSCLBP compared to manual therapy combined with exercise. However, several previous RCTs have suggested that class-based interventions are as effective as individualised interventions. Therefore, it is important to examine whether an individualised intervention, such as CFT, demonstrates clinical effectiveness compared to a relatively cheaper exercise and education class. The current study will compare the clinical effectiveness of individualised CFT with a combined exercise and pain education class in people with NSCLBP. Methods and analysis This study is a multicentre RCT. 214 participants, aged 18–75 years, with NSCLBP for at least 6 months will be randomised to one of two interventions across three sites. The experimental group will receive individualised CFT and the length of the intervention will be varied in a pragmatic manner based on the clinical progression of participants. The control group will attend six classes which will be provided over a period of 6–8 weeks. Participants will be assessed preintervention, postintervention and after 6 and12 months. The primary outcomes will be functional disability and pain intensity. Non-specific predictors, moderators and mediators of outcome will also be analysed. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval has been obtained from the Mayo General Hospital Research Ethics Committee (MGH-14-UL). Outcomes will be disseminated through publication according to the SPIRIT statement and will be presented at scientific conferences. Trial registration number (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02145728).

Inability to perform because of pain/injury in elite adult Irish dance: A prospective investigation of contributing factors.

Previous research in Irish dancing (ID) has recorded high levels of pain/injury. Screening protocols in other genres have been developed to identify at‐risk dancers. The aims of the study were to examine the factors that relate to absence from dancing because of musculo‐skeletal pain/injury in ID, and to inform guidelines for the development of an evidence‐based screening protocol. Baseline subjective data (n = 85) and physical data (n = 84) were gathered. Subjects completed a monthly online questionnaire for 1 year providing data on general physical and psychological health and rates of pain/injury. Subjects were allocated to a “More Time Absent (MTA)” or “Less Time Absent (LTA)” category depending on their duration of absence from performance over the year. Eighty‐four subjects completed the year‐long follow‐up (MTA: n = 32; LTA: n = 52). Two hundred seventy‐eight complaints of pain/injury were recorded. Factors significantly associated with membership of the MTA group included greater anger‐hostility (P = 0.003), more subjective health complaints (P = 0.026), more severe previous pain/injury (P = 0.017), more general everyday pain (P = 0.020), more body parts affected by pain/injury (P = 0.028), always/often dancing in pain (P = 0.028), and insufficient sleep (P = 0.043). Several biopsychosocial factors appear to be associated with absence from ID because of pain/injury. Biopsychosocial screening protocols and prevention strategies may best identify at‐risk dancers.

Cohort Study Comparing the Berg Balance Scale and the Mini-BESTest in People Who Have Multiple Sclerosis and Are Ambulatory.

Background The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a balance measure commonly used for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The Mini-BESTest is an alternative based on balance systems. Objective The study objective was to compare the BBS and the Mini-BESTest for sensitivity to change, likelihood ratios for walking aid use and falls, and associations with clinical variables in people who have MS and are ambulatory. Design This was a cohort study with measurements before and after exposure to 8 weeks of routine physical therapy intervention. Methods For 52 participants who had a primary diagnosis of MS and who were independently mobile, with or without an aid, demographic details and a history of falls and near falls were collected. Participants completed the Mini-BESTest, Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29, Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12, BBS, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and Six-Minute Walk Test. Results No participant started with a baseline Mini-BESTest maximum score of 28, whereas 38.5% (n=20) started with a baseline BBS maximum score of 56. Statistically significant changes in the Mini-BESTest score (X̅=5.31, SD=3.5) and the BBS score (X̅=1.4, SD=1.9) were demonstrated. Effect sizes for the Mini-BESTest and the BBS were 0.70 and 0.37, respectively; standard response means for the Mini-BESTest and the BBS were 1.52 and 0.74, respectively. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the Mini-BESTest and the BBS were 0.88 and 0.77, respectively, for detecting mobility device use and 0.88 and 0.75, respectively, for detecting self-reported near falls. The Mini-BESTest had a higher correlation for each secondary measure than did the BBS. Limitations This study involved a sample of convenience; 61% of the participants did not use a walking aid. The order of testing was not randomized, and fall status was obtained through retrospective recall. Conclusions The Mini-BESTest had a lower ceiling effect and higher values on responsiveness tests. These findings suggest that the Mini-BESTest may be better at detecting changes in balance in people who have MS, are ambulatory, and have relatively little walking disability.

Relationship between foot vibration threshold and walking and balance functions in people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS)

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between foot vibration threshold and walking and balance functions in people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). The study sample consisted of 34 participants with mean age of 49.5 years (SD 11.13). Participants were able to walk independently or with an assistive device. Participants underwent vibration threshold testing using the Neurothesiometer (NT), followed by the 6 min walking test (6MWT), the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and the Berg balance scale (BBS). We found a statistically significant relationship between foot vibration threshold and all outcome measures used. The first metatarsophalangeal joint had the strongest correlation with BBS (-0.585, p < 0.01), 6 MWT (-0.557, p < 0.01) and TUG (0.498, p < 0.01). We also found that vibration threshold scores differed between those people with MS with and without walking limitations (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.01 for all testing points). In conclusion, these findings confirm the relationship between foot vibration threshold and clinical measures of walking and balance in PwMS and add to literature predictive validity of foot vibration threshold. They also suggest that vibration threshold may be important to consider when identifying people in need of intervention or when evaluating the effect of rehabilitation and exercise interventions.

Comparing the effects of whole-body vibration to standard exercise in ambulatory people with Multiple Sclerosis: A randomised controlled feasibility study

Objectives: This study aimed firstly to investigate the feasibility of the study protocol and outcome measures, secondly to obtain data in order to inform the power calculations for a larger randomised controlled trial, and finally to investigate if whole-body vibration (WBV) is more effective than the same duration and intensity of standard exercises (EXE) in people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). Design: Randomised controlled feasibility study. Setting: Outpatient MS centre. Subjects: Twenty seven PwMS (age mean (SD) 48.1 (11.2)) with minimal gait impairments. Interventions: Twelve weeks of WBV or standard EXE, three times weekly. Main measures: Participants were measured with isokinetic muscle strength, vibration threshold, Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Mini-BESTest (MBT), 6 Minute Walk test (6MWT), Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale 29 (MSIS 29), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and Verbal Analogue scale for sensation (VAS) pre and post 12 week intervention. Results: WBV intervention was found feasible with low drop-out rate (11.1%) and high compliance (90%). Data suggest that a sample of 52 in each group would be sufficient to detect a moderate effect size, with 80% power and 5% significance for 6 minute walk test. Large effect sizes in favour of standard exercise were found for vibration threshold at 5th metatarsophalangeal joint and heel (P=0.014, r= 0.5 and P=0.005, r=0.56 respectively). No between group differences were found for muscle strength, balance or gait (P>0.05). Conclusions: Data suggest that the protocol is feasible, there were no adverse effects. A trial including 120 people would be needed to detect an effect on walking endurance.

Beyond the tendon: Experiences and perceptions of people with persistent Achilles tendinopathy

BACKGROUND Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is associated with persistent pain leading to a significant physical and psychological burden. Psychosocial factors are considered to be important mediators following exercise interventions. Despite the recognition of the importance of psychosocial variables in persistent MSK disorders, there is a distinct lack of qualitative research investigating psychosocial factors in AT. PURPOSE To qualitatively explore the perceptions and experiences of people with AT prior to an intervention study. METHODOLOGY A qualitative, interpretive description design was performed using semi-structured telephone interviews. The questioning route covered history of AT, perceived cause of AT, effect of AT pain, experience in managing AT, and perspective on prognosis of AT pain. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. The study has been reported in accordance with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist. To facilitate the rigor of methodology and the transparency of the research process an audit trail was created. RESULTS Eight participants (Five male and three female). Four main themes were identified in the data: (i) pain as a feature of everyday life; (ii) experience with the management process; (iii) identifying with and self-managing AT, and (iv) looking to the future. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that persistent AT is associated with a significant psychosocial impact, particularly in terms of participation in daily life and valued activities. Better understanding the experiences and personal impacts of AT may enhance management of this persistent disorder, and facilitate individuals with AT complying with evidence-based approaches including exercise and pain reconceptualization.

Criterion Validity of the activPAL Activity Monitor for Sedentary and Physical Activity Patterns in People Who Have Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background Accurate measurement of physical activity and sedentary behavior is an important consideration for health care professionals. The activPAL activity monitor has not been validated against a criterion measure for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Objective The objective of this study was to determine the criterion validity of the activPAL activity monitor for measuring step counts, transition counts, and time spent in sedentary, standing, and walking behaviors in people with RA. Design A laboratory-based criterion validation study was conducted. Methods Participants with a confirmed medical diagnosis of RA were recruited from 2 outpatient rheumatology clinics. The testing procedure consisted of standardized testing components and tasks related to activities of daily living. Participants wore an activPAL activity monitor and were video recorded throughout the testing procedure. Direct observation was used as the criterion measure. Data analysis consisted of validation analysis of the activPAL activity monitor data and the criterion measure data. Results Twenty-four people participated in the study. Data from 20 participants were included in the final analysis. The activPAL significantly underestimated step counts by 26% and transition counts by 36%. There was no significant difference between the activPAL activity monitor and the criterion measure for time spent in sedentary, standing or light activity, and walking behaviors. Limitations Validation of activities of daily living in a laboratory environment is a limitation of this study. Conclusions The activPAL activity monitor underestimated step and transition counts and, therefore, is not valid for measuring these outcomes in people with RA. Relative to direct observation, the activPAL activity monitor is valid for measuring time spent in sedentary, standing, and walking behaviors in people with RA.