Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Sander C. van Eijck, Daan M. Janssen, Maria C. van der Steen, Eugenie J. L. G. Delvaux, Johannes G. E. Hendriks, Rob P. A. Janssen
Summary: Digital health and telemedicine applications have the potential to improve the diagnosis of knee disorders in orthopedic surgery, but there is currently limited evidence supporting their effectiveness. Future research should focus on integrating various sources of information and collaborating with different stakeholders to establish reliable and secure databases.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Chanhee Park, Chunghwi Yi, Woochol Joseph Choi, Hyo-Sang Lim, Han Ul Yoon, Sung (Joshua) Hyun You
Summary: This study aimed to compare the effects of a deep learning-based digital application with conventional physical therapy on low back pain. The results showed that the deep learning-based digital application was superior to conventional physical therapy in terms of improvement in patients' condition, transmission risk of COVID-19, and satisfaction. Both treatment methods showed significant improvement pre- and postintervention, indicating that the deep learning-based digital application is equally effective as conventional physical therapy and had advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness and transmission risk of COVID-19.
Editorial Material
Orthopedics
Latika Gupta, Aurelie Najm, Koroush Kabir, Diederik De Cock
Summary: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders launched a Collection on digital health to explore the impact of digital technologies on musculoskeletal medicine. This editorial summarizes the findings and focuses on key topics such as digital tools for diagnosis and evaluation of diseases and advances in health record analysis. It also discusses the acceptability and validity of these digital advances. Overall, this editorial and the papers in this collection provide insights into the future and challenges of digital health in musculoskeletal care.
BMC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Asimina Lazaridou, Myrella Paschali, Eric S. Vilsmark, Jason Sadora, Dustin Burton, Annie Bashara, Robert R. Edwards
Summary: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and potential effectiveness of an 8-week virtual EMG biofeedback intervention for patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). The results showed that compared to the treatment as usual comparison group, patients in the EMG biofeedback group reported lower pain intensity after completing the intervention, and demonstrated significant reductions in pain interference, disability, and significant increases in low back pain thresholds. In addition, significant changes were observed in muscle tension for the trapezius, latissimus, and low back muscles in the EMG biofeedback group. Therefore, virtual EMG biofeedback shows promise as a potential therapy for reducing pain and disability in individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Tomomi Anan, Shigeyuki Kajiki, Hiroyuki Oka, Tomoko Fujii, Kayo Kawamata, Koji Mori, Ko Matsudaira
Summary: The study demonstrates that short exercises provided by the AI-assisted health program can effectively improve neck/shoulder pain/stiffness and low back pain. The intervention group showed significant improvements in symptoms compared to the control group, indicating positive outcomes from the AI-assisted health program.
JMIR MHEALTH AND UHEALTH
(2021)
Review
Orthopedics
Cecilie K. Overas, Melker S. Johansson, Tarcisio F. de Campos, Manuela L. Ferreira, Bard Natvig, Paul J. Mork, Jan Hartvigsen
Summary: Co-occurring musculoskeletal pain is common among people with persistent low back pain, with axial, extremity, and multi-site pain being the main categories. Studies from high-income countries showed that females report more co-occurring pain than males, and those with more disability are more likely to experience co-occurring pain. There is a need for standardized measurement methods to better understand the relationship between different types of pain and persistent low back pain.
BMC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
(2021)
Article
Rehabilitation
Andrew D. Delgado, Sophia Isela Salazar, Kendal Rozaieski, David Putrino, Laura Tabacof
Summary: This study retrospectively observed data from 3109 individuals with musculoskeletal pain participating in an mHealth exercise program, and found that the program was associated with a significant decrease in pain and an increase in perceived benefits. These findings suggest the feasibility of using mHealth exercise interventions as scalable tools to improve outcomes of chronic musculoskeletal pain.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION
(2023)
Review
Computer Science, Information Systems
Mohanad M. Alsaleh, Freya Allery, Jung Won Choi, Tuankasfee Hama, Andrew McQuillin, Honghan Wu, Johan H. Thygesen
Summary: Disease comorbidity is a major challenge in healthcare, and AI-based prediction can improve precision medicine and holistic care. This systematic review identified 22 articles with 61 machine learning models for comorbidity prediction, with high accuracy and AUC. However, concerns regarding bias and limited evaluation for explainable AI were found.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INFORMATICS
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Alberto Herrero Babiloni, Gabrielle Beetz, Alice Bruneau, Marc O. Martel, Peter A. Cistulli, Donald R. Nixdorf, Jeannine M. Conway, Gilles J. Lavigne
Summary: The multimorbidity formed by sleep disturbances and pain conditions is highly prevalent and has a significant impact in global health and the socioeconomic system. Different approaches have been directed toward its management, but evidence regarding an optimal treatment is lacking, highlighting the importance of finding medications that can improve sleep, pain, and other accompanying conditions without exacerbating them.
SLEEP MEDICINE REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Rehabilitation
Yanyan Fu, Alessandro Chiarotto, Wendy Enthoven, Soren Thorgaard Skou, Bart Koes
Summary: This study examined the influence of comorbidities on back pain outcomes in older adults. The results showed that more comorbidities were associated with worse pain intensity and physical functioning. Musculoskeletal problems were the most common comorbidities and were linked to more severe back pain and poorer physical functioning.
ANNALS OF PHYSICAL AND REHABILITATION MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Paul Padovani, Yogen Singh, Robert H. Pass, Corina Maria Vasile, Lynne E. Nield, Alban-Elouen Baruteau
Summary: Technological advancements have greatly impacted the healthcare industry, and the integration of e-health in pediatric cardiology has shown significant potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. However, there are potential limitations and challenges related to availability, cost-effectiveness, data privacy and security, and ethical, legal, and social implications.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
Vijay B. Vad, Antonio Madrazo-Ibarra, Deborah Estrin, John P. Pollak, Kaitlin M. Carroll, Deneen Vojta, Amoli Vad, Camilla Trapness
Summary: This study found that the Back Rx app can alleviate pain and improve functionality in patients with discogenic axial CLBP. Patients showed significant improvement in average VAS scores and functionality evaluations after using the app. The study also found that patients had a high overall satisfaction rate with the app.
BMC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Orthopedics
M. Jake Grundstein, Charles Fisher, Matthew Titmuss, Jeme Cioppa-Mosca
Summary: HSS Rehabilitation successfully implemented telehealth physical therapy through training and implementation programs, providing faster access to care, similar patient satisfaction, and increased geographical outreach.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jill Glassman, Kathryn Humphreys, Serena Yeung, Michelle Smith, Adam Jauregui, Arnold Milstein, Lee Sanders
Summary: The study found that parents generally recognize the harmful effects of technoference on children and most parents, especially younger ones, find the use of AI tools to reduce technoference acceptable and useful. Younger age, Hispanic ethnicity, and speaking Spanish at home were associated with increased awareness of technoference.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Shekhar Y. Bhojraj, Anand A. Bang, Mahesh Deshmukh, Sameer Kalkotwar, Vinay R. Joshi, Tushar Yarmal, Raghu Varma, Yogeshwar V. Kalkonde, Abhay T. Bang
Summary: A population-based study in rural India revealed a high prevalence of back and neck pain among adults, with non-specific low back pain and neck pain being the most common diagnoses. This suggests a need for systematic training of healthcare workers to manage these conditions in rural areas.
JOURNAL OF GLOBAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Katie de Luca, Alessandro Chiarotto, Flavia Cicuttini, Laura Creemers, Evelien de Schepper, Paulo H. H. Ferreira, Nadine E. E. Foster, Jan Hartvigsen, Gregory Kawchuk, Christopher B. B. Little, Edwin H. H. Oei, Pradeep Suri, Carmen Vleggeert-Lankamp, Sita M. A. Bierma-Zeinstra, Manuela L. L. Ferreira
Summary: The objective of this study was to determine consensus among an international, multidisciplinary group of experts regarding definitions of spinal osteoarthritis for research and for clinical practice. A total of 117 statements were generated and rated through a 3-round Delphi study, resulting in 71 statements achieving consensus. The study highlights the need for a future definition of spinal osteoarthritis that considers a spectrum of structural changes and patient symptoms.
ARTHRITIS CARE & RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
J. Hancox, K. Ayling, L. Bedford, K. Vedhara, J. F. R. Roberston, B. Young, R. das Nair, F. M. Sullivan, S. Schembri, F. S. Mair, R. Littleford, D. Kendrick
Summary: The Early CDT(R)-Lung antibody blood test has positive effects in reducing late-stage lung cancer presentation, but it also leads to some negative psychological outcomes, although these effects are short-lived and small.
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Anesthesiology
Pieter Coenen, Astrid de Wind, Peter van de Ven, Marianne De Maaker-Berkhof, Bart Koes, Rachelle Buchbinder, Jan Hartvigsen, Johannes Han R. Anema
Summary: In the Netherlands, de-implementation of non-evidence-based hospital treatments for low back pain took several decades, resulting in significant waste of resources and avoidable harm to patients.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PAIN
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Industrial
Alessandro Chiarotto, Heike Gerger, Rogier M. van Rijn, Roy G. Elbers, Erin M. Macri, Jennie A. Jackson, Alex Burdorf, Bart W. Koes, Karen Sogaard
Summary: This systematic review updated a previous review on work-related physical and psychosocial risk factors for elbow disorders. Multiple databases were searched for studies on the associations between work-related physical or psychosocial factors and elbow disorders. The results showed that combined physical exposure indicators were associated with the occurrence of lateral epicondylitis, but no consistent associations were found for other exposures. These results do not allow for strong conclusions regarding the associations between work-related exposures and elbow disorders.
APPLIED ERGONOMICS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Behnam Liaghat, Lars Folkestad, Soren T. Skou, Bart Koes, Jan Hartvigsen
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the upper and lower extremities among patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes in Denmark, as well as its consequences on care seeking, leisure time activity, and work life. The one-week prevalence ranged from 9.3% to 30.8%, and the 12-month prevalence ranged from 13.9% to 41.8%, with the highest prevalence observed in shoulder pain. The prevalence of pain was similar between type 1 and 2 diabetes for the upper extremity, but higher in type 2 diabetes for the lower extremity. Women had a higher pain prevalence for any joint in both diabetes types, while age groups did not show significant differences. More than half of the patients had reduced their activities at work or leisure time, and more than one-third had sought care for pain in the past year.
PRIMARY CARE DIABETES
(2023)
Review
Rehabilitation
Casper G. Nim, Sasha L. Aspinall, Chad E. Cook, Leticia A. Correa, Megan Donaldson, Aron S. Downie, Steen Harsted, Jan Hartvigsen, Hazel J. Jenkins, David McNaughton, Luana Nyiroe, Stephen M. Perle, Eric J. Roseen, James J. Young, Anika Young, Gong-He Zhao, Carsten B. Juhl
Summary: This study aims to investigate the clinical effectiveness of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) in reducing pain and disability for spinal complaints. It will compare different application procedures of SMT and examine the feasibility and clinical applicability of SMT. The results of this study will be applicable to clinical practice, educational settings, and research studies.
CHIROPRACTIC & MANUAL THERAPIES
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Bolette Skjodt Rafn, Jan Hartvigsen, Volkert Siersma, John Sahl Andersen
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of multimorbidity among low back pain (LBP) patients in chiropractic practice and examined whether multimorbidity affects pain intensity, self-rated health, physical and mental health. The results showed that patients with multimorbidity have poorer general health and recovery from LBP compared to those without chronic disease. Clinical follow-up is recommended for patients with multimorbidity.
CHIROPRACTIC & MANUAL THERAPIES
(2023)
Review
Sport Sciences
Gisela Sjogaard, Karen Sogaard, Anne Faber Hansen, Anne Skov Ostergaard, Sanel Teljigovic, Tina Dalager
Summary: This paper discusses the high frequency of work-related disorders and presents an evidence-based exercise prescription to improve health and workability. The concept of Intelligent Physical Exercise Training (IPET) includes the assessment of health-related variables and provides an algorithm with cut-points for prescribing specific exercises.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL MORPHOLOGY AND KINESIOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Pediatrics
Lise Hestbaek, Jan Hartvigsen, Henrik Christensen, Werner Vach
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sanel Teljigovic, Marianne Lindahl, Camilla Molholm von Magius, Gisela Sjogaard, Karen Sogaard, Louise Fleng Sandal
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the internal consistency and construct validity of the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment Questionnaire (SMFA) in older adults undergoing physical rehabilitation in an outpatient setting. Adequate internal consistency and construct validity were found for the SMFA, particularly in relation to physical health status. However, there were only fair correlations between SMFA scores and clinical outcome measures, indicating limitations in capturing muscle strength and functional capacity.
ANNALS OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Stephanie Mann, Henrik Baare Olsen, Helene M. Paarup, Karen Sogaard
Summary: This study aimed to compare violinists' upper body kinematics and muscle activity while playing with different supportive equipment: their usual chinrest (UC) or an ergonomic chinrest (EC). Minor differences were found between the two set-ups, with the EC resulting in less left rotation of the head (3.3 degrees), slightly more neck extension (1.3 degrees), and less muscle activity (0.5-1.0 %MVE). However, the overall high static muscle activity (4-10 %MVE across all muscles) was maintained using the EC, suggesting that other aspects besides chinrest design should be considered to lower the static workload demands.
APPLIED ERGONOMICS
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
James J. Young, Alice Kongsted, Jan Hartvigsen, Carlo Ammendolia, Rikke Kruger Jensen
Summary: Patients with persistent NSLBP and LSS symptoms can expect similar improvements in disability and back pain intensity, and slightly greater improvements in leg pain intensity with treatment.
BMC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Daniel K. Y. Zheng, Gregory N. Kawchuk, Andre E. Bussieres, Fadi M. Al Zoubi, Jan Hartvigsen, Siu Ngor Fu, Katie de Luca, Debra K. Weiner, Jaro Karppinen, Dino Samartzis, Manuela L. Ferreira, Jinlong Wu, Liz Dennett, Arnold Y. L. Wong
Summary: This study analyzed the publication patterns and trends of research on low back pain in older adults and working-age adults over the past three decades. The findings suggest that there is a lack of research focusing on low back pain in older adults, and the United States and the journal Spine are prominent in this field. The research trend of physical activity in older adults with low back pain is consistent with the recognized importance of physical activity for managing this condition. However, the emerging trends of surgery and intervertebral disc degeneration in research on low back pain in working-age adults highlight a focus on the biomedical model of low back pain.
JOURNAL OF PAIN RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hamish M. E. Foster, Jason M. R. Gill, Frances S. Mair, Carlos A. Celis-Morales, Bhautesh D. Jani, Barbara I. Nicholl, Duncan Lee, Catherine A. O'Donnell
Summary: This study found that both functional and structural components of social connection are independently associated with mortality. It also suggests that the beneficial associations for some types of social connection might not be felt when other types of social connection are absent. Additionally, individuals who live alone with additional structural markers of isolation may represent a high-risk population.