Patraporn Sitilertpisan

Multifidus muscle size and symmetry among elite weightlifters

OBJECTIVES To examine muscle cross-sectional areas (CSA) and symmetry of lumbar multifidus (LM) muscles in elite weightlifters. DESIGN Cross-sectional observational study SETTING Neuromuscular and Pain Research Unit. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-one elite weightlifters (15 males) participated in the study, representing the population of Thai weightlifters eligible for national selection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Resting CSA of the LM muscle were assessed bilaterally at 4 lumbar vertebral levels using ultrasound imaging. The between side differences (relative to the side of the preferred hand) were used to determine the asymmetry. RESULTS The between side differences (relative to the preferred hand) of the LM muscle CSA were less than 3% for all vertebral levels and suggested symmetry between sides (p > .05). No difference was found between weightlifters with unilateral or bilateral pain symptoms. CONCLUSION This study provides new information on resting CSA for the LM muscle in elite weightlifters. Future studies could investigate other aspects of neuromotor control of the LM muscle to determine if there are impairments which could be addressed in an attempt to decrease the high prevalence of LBP in this population.

Improvements in tissue blood flow and lumbopelvic stability after lumbopelvic core stabilization training in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of lumbopelvic stabilization training on tissue blood flow changes in the lumbopelvic region and lumbopelvic stability compared to placebo treatment and controlled intervention among patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 25 participants (7 males, 18 females; mean age, 33.3 ± 14.4 years) participated in this within-subject, repeated-measures, double-blind, placebo-controlled comparison trial. The participants randomly underwent three types of interventions that included lumbopelvic stabilization training, placebo treatment, and controlled intervention with 48 hours between sessions. Lumbopelvic stability and tissue blood flow were measured using a pressure biofeedback device and a laser Doppler flow meter before and after the interventions. [Results] The repeated-measures analysis of variance results demonstrated a significant increase in tissue blood flow over the lumbopelvic region tissues for post- versus pre-lumbopelvic stabilization training and compared to placebo and control interventions. A significant increase in lumbopelvic stability before and after lumbopelvic stabilization training was noted, as well as upon comparison to placebo and control interventions. [Conclusion] The current study supports an increase in tissue blood flow in the lumbopelvic region and improved lumbopelvic stability after core training among patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Lumbopelvic Core Stabilization Exercise and Pain Modulation Among Individuals with Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain.

Lumbopelvic stabilization training (LPST) may provide therapeutic benefits on pain modulation in chronic nonspecific low back pain conditions. This study aimed to examine the effects of LPST on pain threshold and pain intensity in comparison with the passive automated cycling intervention and control intervention among patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Immedicate Effects of Core Stabilization Exercise on β-Endorphin and Cortisol Levels Among Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Crossover Design

Objective The main objective of the study was to measure the levels of plasma &bgr;‐endorphin (PB) and plasma cortisol (PC) under lumbar core stabilization exercise (LCSE), placebo and control conditions in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Methods Twenty‐four participants with chronic nonspecific low back pain participated in a randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover design study. There were 3 experimental exercise conditions: control condition (positioning in crook lying and rest), placebo condition (passive cycling in crook lying using automatic cycler), and LCSE on a Pilates device tested with a 48‐hour interval between sessions by concealed randomization. A blood sample was collected before and after the exercise conditions. Plasma &bgr;‐endorphin and PC were measured through enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and electrochemiluminescence in a Cobas E411 auto analyzer. Results A significant difference in PB level was identified before and after the LCSE condition (P < .05), whereas no significant differences were noted in control and placebo exercise conditions. Also, the trend of elevation of PB under the LCSE was significantly different compared with the placebo and control conditions (P < .01). In contrast, the PC level remained unchanged in all 3 conditions. Conclusion The findings of this study indicate that LCSE could possibly influence PB but not PC level among patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. The mechanism of action of the pain‐relieving effect of LCSE might be related to an endogenous opioid mechanism as part of its effects and might not be involved with a stress‐induced analgesia mechanism.

Letter to Editor: Application of neuroplasticity theory through the use of the Feldenkrais Method with a runner with scoliosis and lower quarter pain: Additional respiratory mechanics principle, implication of the Feldenkrais method for clinical practice in neuro-musculoskeletal rehabilitation

Please cite this article as: Mohan, V., Paungmali, A., Sitilertpisan, P., Letter to Editor: Application of neuroplasticity theory through the use of the Feldenkrais Method with a runner with scoliosis and lower quarter pain: Additional respiratory mechanic principle, implication of the Feldenkrais method for clinical practice in neuro-musculoskeletal rehabilitation, Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies (2016), doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2016.08.008.

Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of total faulty breathing scale using visual observation and videogrammetry methods

Faulty breathing is an aspect of alteration in the normal fundamental pattern of breathing. The available existence of scales in assessing faulty breathing has not frequently been used. Measurement errors in assessing and quantifying breathing patterns may originate from unclear directions and variation between observers. This study determined the measure reliability of the Total Faulty Breathing Scale (TFBS) for quantifying breathing patterns. Twenty seven participants were recruited comprising healthy and unhealthy subjects. Two examiners assessed their breathing patterns using the TFBS on two different occasions with visual observation and a videogrammetry method. Evaluation of the observational breathing pattern method for intra-rater and inter-rater showed agreement of 96.30% and a kappa score of greater than 0.78, which indicated substantial agreements. The videogrammetry method showed a percent agreement of (100%) with a kappa score of (1.00). This study indicates that the TFBS is a considerably reliable tool for evaluating breathing patterns with both visual observation and a videogrammetry method.