Yasuhito Sogi

Association Between Sleep Disturbance and New-onset Subjective Shoulder Pain in Survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake: A Prospective Cohort Study in Miyagi Prefecture

The Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) and Tsunami devastated the northeastern coast of Japan on March 11, 2011. This study attempted to determine whether socio-psychological factors such as sleep disturbance and psychological distress influenced new-onset subjective shoulder pain in survivors, during the post disaster phase of the GEJE. From November 2012 to February 2013 (2 years after the GEJE) and November 2014 to January 2015 (4 years after the GEJE), survivors (18 years old or over) answered self-reported questionnaires. In total, 1,454 survivors responded to the questionnaires and were thus included in this study. New-onset subjective shoulder pain was defined as shoulder pain by encircled response absent at 2 years, and present at 4 years after the GEJE. Two years after the GEJE, ≥ 10/24 points on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale-6, and ≥ 6/24 points on the Athens Insomnia Scale defined the presence of psychological distress and sleep disturbance, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the association between new-onset subjective shoulder pain, and psychological distress or sleep disturbance. Amongst participants, 7.2% (105/1,454) reported new-onset subjective shoulder pain. Sleep disturbance was significantly associated with new-onset subjective shoulder pain (OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.24-2.98, P = 0.004); however, psychological distress was not (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.42-1.42, P = 0.41). In conclusion, this is the first study indicating an association between sleep disturbance and new-onset subjective shoulder pain amongst the survivors of the GEJE.

Higher Incidence of Sleep Disturbance among Survivors with Musculoskeletal Pain after the Great East Japan Earthquake: A Prospective Study

Sleep disturbance is a common symptom after natural disasters. Although musculoskeletal pain also increases after natural disasters, its relation to sleep disturbance is not clear. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of musculoskeletal pain on new-onset sleep disturbance among survivors after the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE). A prospective cohort study was conducted with the survivors of the GEJE at two and three years after the earthquake. New-onset sleep disturbance was defined as sleep disturbance absent at two years and present at three years after the earthquake. The sites of musculoskeletal pain included low back, shoulder, knee, and hand or foot. The number of musculoskeletal pain sites at two years after the earthquake was divided into three categories (0, 1, and 2 or more). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for new-onset sleep disturbance according to the number of musculoskeletal pain sites. A total of 1,102 survivors were included in this study and 14.6% of the participants reported new-onset sleep disturbance. Using 0 as a reference, the adjusted ORs (95% CI) for new-onset sleep disturbance were 2.43 (1.55-3.80) in 1 and 2.96 (1.88-4.64) in 2 or more, respectively (P for trends < 0.001). In conclusion, this is the first study showing higher incidence of sleep disturbance among survivors with musculoskeletal pain after the GEJE. Care for musculoskeletal pain is important to prevent sleep disturbance after natural disasters.

Effects of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound for Preventing Joint Stiffness in Immobilized Knee Model in Rats

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) in preventing joint stiffness. Unilateral knee joints were immobilized in two groups of rats (nu2009=u20096/period/group). Under general anesthesia, the immobilized knee joints were exposed to LIPUS for 20u2009min/d, 5u2009d/wk, using an existing LIPUS device (LIPUS group, 1.5-MHz frequency, 1.0-kHz repetition cycle, 200-µs burst width and 30-mW/cm2 power output) until endpoints (2, 4 or 6u2009wk). In the control group, general anesthesia alone was administered in the same manner as in the other group. The variables compared between the groups included joint angles; histologic, histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses; quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions; and tissue elasticity. LIPUS had a preventive effect on joint stiffness, resulting in decreased adhesion, fibrosis and inflammation and hypoxic response after joint immobilization.

The Characteristics of Coaches that Verbally or Physically Abuse Young Athletes

Verbal or physical abuse from coaches has a negative impact on young athletes. To prevent abuse against young athletes, it is important to know the characteristics of abusive coaches. This study aimed to elucidate the characteristics of coaches who commit verbal or physical abuse in youth sports teams. A cross-sectional study was conducted with coaches of youth sport teams in Miyagi prefecture, Japan (n = 1,283), using a self-reported questionnaire (response rate was 24.0%). Multivariate logistic regression models were used for analyses. The prevalence of verbal and physical abuse towards young athletes was 64.7% (n = 830) and 6.2% (n = 79), respectively. Verbal abuse was significantly associated with lower educational attainment (odds ratio (OR): 1.32, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.03-1.69), experiences of verbal abuse by own coaches (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.37-2.50), acceptability for verbal or physical abuse (OR: 2.53, 95% CI: 1.82-3.52), and dissatisfaction with athletes attitude (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.26-2.07). Physical abuse was significantly associated with experiences of physical abuse by respondents coaches (OR: 2.71, 95% CI: 1.50-4.92), acceptability for verbal or physical abuse (OR: 3.89, 95% CI: 2.39-6.33), and longer experience of coaching in years (OR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.20-4.98). The results of this study show that coaches who commit verbal or physical abuse had typically experienced abuse from their former coaches, and adopted a similar style. Breaking the negative cycle of verbal and physical abuse is necessary to eliminate the abuse of young athletes.

Sleep Disturbance Is Associated with New Onset and Continuation of Lower Back Pain: A Longitudinal Study among Survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake

Lower back pain (LBP) is a common health problem after natural disasters. Although some related factors have been reported, the effect of sleep disturbances on LBP is not clear. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the influence of sleep disturbances on LBP after the Great East Japan earthquake (GEJE). A panel study was conducted with the survivors of the GEJE (n = 2,295) at three and four years after the disaster using self-reported questionnaires. The changes in the presence of LBP during the two periods were assessed; LBP was characterized as either new onset or continuation of LBP. The participants sleep conditions were assessed, and the changes in sleep disturbances during the two periods were classified into four groups: absence, new onset, improvement, and continuation. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the association of the changes in sleep disturbance with new onset and continuation of LBP. The rates of new onset and continuation of LBP were 14.1% and 55.1%, respectively. The changes in sleep disturbances were significantly associated with new-onset and continuing LBP. Using absence as a reference for the change of sleep disturbance, the adjusted ORs (95% CI) for new-onset LBP were 2.19 (1.42-3.38) in new onset, 1.38 (0.83-2.30) in improvement, and 2.17 (1.50-3.15) in continuation, and those for continuing LBP were 1.42 (0.71-2.84) in new onset, 0.98 (0.55-1.74) in improvement, and 1.60 (1.01-2.51) in continuation. Careful attention should be paid to sleep disturbances to prevent and improve LBP after natural disasters.

Association between trunk pain and lower extremity pain among youth soccer players: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundSoccer is a high-intensity sport with a high injury rate. Among youth soccer players, lower extremity pain is a major problem that could be associated with trunk function. This study investigated the association between lower extremity pain and trunk pain among youth soccer players.MethodsA cross-sectional study involving youth soccer players participating in the Miyagi Amateur Sports Association was conducted using a self-reported questionnaire. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between trunk pain and lower extremity pain. Covariates were sex, age, body mass index, height increase, number of days of training per week, practice time per day on weekdays or weekends, competition levels, frequency of participation in games, and previous injuries.ResultsThe final study population comprised 1139 youth soccer players (age, 6–15xa0years; male, 94.2%). Lower extremity pain with concomitant trunk pain occurred in 61.8% (42/68). Trunk pain was significantly associated with lower extremity pain (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 6.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.99–11.67). Back pain and hip pain were significantly associated with knee pain (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 7.63 [3.70–15.76] and 3.84 [1.89–7.83], respectively), ankle pain (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 9.03 [4.42–18.44] and 5.43 [2.77–10.62], respectively), and both knee and ankle pain (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 13.67 [6.01–31.09] and 5.98 [2.56–13.97], respectively).ConclusionsTrunk pain was associated with lower extremity pain among youth soccer players. Clinicians and coaches should consider comorbidities while treating those players.

Involvement of neutrophils and interleukin-18 in nociception in a mouse model of muscle pain:

Muscle pain is a common condition that relates to various pathologies. Muscle overuse induces muscle pain, and neutrophils are key players in pain production. Neutrophils also play a central role in chronic pain by secreting interleukin (IL)-18. The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of neutrophils and IL-18 in a mouse model of muscle pain. The right hind leg muscles of BALB/c mice were stimulated electrically to induce excessive muscle contraction. The left hind leg muscles were not stimulated. The pressure pain threshold, number of neutrophils, and IL-18 levels were investigated. Furthermore, the effects of the IL-18-binding protein and Brilliant Blue G on pain were investigated. In stimulated muscles, pressure pain thresholds decreased, and neutrophil and IL-18 levels increased compared with that in non-stimulated muscles. The administration of IL-18-binding protein and Brilliant Blue G attenuated hyperalgesia caused by excessive muscle contraction. These results suggest that increased IL-18 secretion from larger numbers of neutrophils elicits mechanical hyperalgesia.

Knee pain is associated with lower back pain in young baseball players: a cross-sectional study

PurposeConsiderable research has focused on shoulder and elbow injuries among baseball players; however, although lumbar spine and knee injuries are commonly experienced, they are less frequently studied. During common motions in baseball, such as throwing, hitting, and running, energy is transferred from the lower extremities through the lower back to the upper body. Lower extremity pain, as well as lower back pain (LBP), can disrupt the kinematic chain, and it is important to understand the association between lower extremity complaints and LBP. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the association between knee pain and LBP among young baseball players.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with young baseball players (aged 6–15 years, nu2009=u20091,609) using a self-reported questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression models were used for analyses. Variables considered in the models were sex, age, body mass index, team levels, number of days of training per week, number of hours in practice per day on weekdays and weekend, frequency of participation in games, practice intensity, and player position.ResultsThe point prevalence of LBP and knee pain was 8.4% and 13.1%, respectively. Knee pain was significantly associated with LBP. Using the absence of knee pain as a reference, the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for LBP was 5.83 (3.93–8.65) (pu2009<u20090.001) in the presence of knee pain.ConclusionsKnee pain was associated with LBP among young baseball players. Clinicians should pay attention to knee complaints to prevent and treat LBP among young baseball players.Level of evidenceIII.

Playing video games for more than 3 hours a day is associated with shoulder and elbow pain in elite young male baseball players

BACKGROUNDnThe effect of lifestyle factors on elbow or shoulder pain in young baseball players remains unclear. This study examined the association of game playing and television viewing with elbow or shoulder pain among elite young baseball players.nnnMETHODSnStudy participants were young baseball players (age, 9-12 years) who participated in the National Junior Sports Clubs Baseball Festival in 2017. The national tournament invited 16 teams (totaling 210 players) selected based on the results of the regional qualifying tournaments. Self-reported questionnaires were mailed to all players before the tournament. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association of video game playing and television viewing behavior with elbow or shoulder pain.nnnRESULTSnAmong the 210 players polled, 200 male players were included in the analysis. The prevalence of elbow or shoulder pain was 30.0%. Playing video games for ≥3 hours/day was significantly associated with elbow or shoulder pain vs. spending <1 hour/day playing video games (odds ratio, 5.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.44-21.64; Pu2009=u2009.013). The amount of time spent watching television was not significantly associated with the prevalence of elbow or shoulder pain.nnnCONCLUSIONSnPlaying video games for ≥3 hours/day was associated with elbow or shoulder pain among elite young male baseball players. These findings highlight the effect of lifestyle on elbow and shoulder pain and should be taken into consideration by players, coaches, parents, and clinicians for the prevention of elbow and shoulder pain.

Musculoskeletal Pain is Associated With New-Onset Psychological Distress in Survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake

OBJECTIVEnPsychological distress is a common symptom after natural disasters. Although musculoskeletal pain also increases after natural disasters, its relation to psychological distress is not known. This study aimed to examine the association of musculoskeletal pain with new-onset psychological distress among survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake.nnnMETHODSnA panel study was conducted with survivors at 2 and 3 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake. New-onset psychological distress was defined as psychological distress absent at 2 years and present at 3 years after the disaster. The number of musculoskeletal pain sites at 2 years after the disaster was divided into 3 categories (0, 1, and ≥2). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for new-onset psychological distress according to the number of musculoskeletal pain sites.nnnRESULTSnThe rate of new-onset psychological distress was 6.7%. Musculoskeletal pain was associated with new-onset psychological distress. Using 0 as a reference, the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) were 1.65 (0.92-2.95) in 1 and 2.12 (1.24-3.64) in ≥2 (P for trend=.02).nnnCONCLUSIONSnMusculoskeletal pain is associated with new-onset psychological distress among survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:295-300).