Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Yu Chen, Xin Ye, Han Wu, Xueling Yuan, Xiaofang Yu, Huanghui Wu, Xiaodan Wu, Yanqing Chen
Summary: This study retrospectively analyzed the influence of epidural labour analgesia (ELA) on delivery and maternal and neonatal outcomes in nulliparous women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) using propensity score-matched analysis. The results showed that ELA was associated with a decreased rate of caesarean section and an increased occurrence of assisted vaginal delivery. ELA was also found to prolong the duration of labor stages, increase the occurrence of postpartum fever, shorten hospital stay, and improve neonatal outcomes such as birth weight and plasma glucose levels.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jiaman Yang, Yi Wang, Jianmei Xu, Zhiwen Ou, Ting Yue, Zhitao Mao, Ying Lin, Tao Wang, Zhen Shen, Wei Dong
Summary: Acupuncture significantly improves pain, functional status, and quality of life for women with low back and/or pelvic pain during pregnancy. It has minimal adverse effects on newborns. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these results.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Rosemary Saunders, Kate Crookes, Karla Seaman, Seng Giap Marcus Ang, Caroline Bulsara, Max K. Bulsara, Beverley Ewens, Olivia Gallagher, Renee M. Graham, Karen Gullick, Sue Haydon, Jeff Hughes, Mustafa Atee, Kim-Huong Nguyen, Bev O'Connell, Debra Scaini, Christopher Etherton-Beer
Summary: This study aims to compare the efficacy of nurse-led volunteer support, technology-driven pain assessment, and the combination of both interventions in hospitalised older adults. Data will be collected to evaluate the impact of these interventions on patient outcomes. The findings of this study will contribute to improving the prognosis and quality of life of hospitalised older adults.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Oriane Aebischer, Marc Rene Suter, Peter Vollenweider, Pedro Marques-Vidal
Summary: In a Swiss population-based cohort, there was no consistent association found between chronic pain and physical activity. Overall, chronic pain does not significantly impact time spent in physical activity in the general population.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Robert J. Trager, Zachary A. Cupler, Roshini Srinivasan, Regina M. Casselberry, Jaime A. Perez, Jeffery A. Dusek
Summary: A retrospective cohort study found that patients with newly diagnosed radicular low back pain who received chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy had lower odds of receiving a gabapentin prescription over a 1-year follow-up period.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Sandra Walsh, G. Lorimer Moseley, Richard John Gray, Marianne Gillam, Kate M. Gunn, Trevor Barker, Kham Tran, Tesfahun Eshetie, Martin Jones
Summary: This scoping review explored the use of behavioural activation (BA) in managing chronic pain. The findings suggest that BA has the potential to reduce pain, but caution is needed due to the high risk of bias in most studies. Further high-quality research is required to determine the effectiveness of BA as an intervention for chronic pain.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Charlotte C. Gupta, Madeline Sprajcer, Colleen Johnston-Devin, Sally A. Ferguson
Summary: This scoping review examines the state of the existing literature on sleep hygiene strategies in individuals with chronic pain. Results indicate that out of 30 articles investigating sleep hygiene strategies in this population, six strategies (education, exercise, limiting alcohol use, limiting tobacco use, prebed state, and sleep environment) were found to improve sleep. However, the timing of these strategies was often not reported, limiting their effectiveness as presleep strategies.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Haiying Wang, Jing-Yu (Benjamin) Tan, Tao Wang, Xian-Liang Liu, Daniel Bressington, Si-Lin Zheng, Hou-Qiang Huang
Summary: This pilot study aims to examine the feasibility and preliminary effect of using an evidence-based breathing exercise (BE) intervention for chronic pain management in breast cancer survivors. A total of 72 participants will be recruited and randomly allocated to either a BE intervention group or a control group. The primary outcomes will be the acceptability and feasibility assessment of the study protocol and the effects of BE on pain, quality of life, anxiety and depression in breast cancer survivors.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Nikolaos Kontakiotis, Alison B. Rushton, Evdokia Billis, George Papathanasiou, George Gioftsos
Summary: Sciatica is a common reason for seeking healthcare, but there is limited evidence on the best treatment. This study aims to develop a clinical prediction model to categorize patients with sciatica based on their initial clinical characteristics and determine early clinical outcomes.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Danghan Xu, Zhanbo Yu, Ximin Cai, Jietao Lin, Tengjiao Lin, Jian Sun, Zhaoxi Liu, Yang Cao, Yihan He
Summary: This pragmatic randomised controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN) for cancer pain management. 120 eligible patients will be recruited and randomly assigned into two groups, and the primary outcome will be analgesic consumption.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Stine Fjendbo Galili, Lone Nikolajsen, Nicholas Papadomanolakis-Pakis
Summary: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness of subanaesthetic single-dose ketamine (SDK) as an adjunct to opioids for acute pain in the emergency department. The study found that adjuvant SDK can significantly lower pain intensity scores, reduce opioid requirements, and improve patient satisfaction. However, the current evidence is limited and higher quality randomized controlled trials are needed for further validation.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Atefeh Noori, Anna Miroshnychenko, Yaadwinder Shergill, Vahid Ashoorion, Yasir Rehman, Rachel J. Couban, D. Norman Buckley, Lehana Thabane, Mohit Bhandari, Gordon H. Guyatt, Thomas Agoritsas, Jason W. Busse
Summary: The study found that adding medical cannabis to prescription opioids for chronic pain patients may not significantly reduce opioid use, alleviate pain, or improve sleep quality. The potential benefits and harms of adding cannabis to opioid treatment remain uncertain.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Timothy Lathlean, Akhilesh Kumar Ramachandran, Stephanie Sim, Ian R. Whittle
Summary: This protocol aims to evaluate the clinical utility and reproducibility of the surface electromyography (sEMG) component of kinematic studies in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). The researchers will conduct literature searches and screening, assess the risk of bias and certainty of evidence using specific tools, and perform meta-analysis or meta-synthesis based on the results. The findings will have implications for the use of sEMG in the management and assessment of CLBP.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Bijar Ghafouri, Malin Ernberg, Paulin Andrell, Emmanuel Backryd, Marcelo Rivano Fisher, Yvonne Freund-Levi, Henrik Grelz, Olaf Grabel, Rolf Karlsten, Eva Kosek, Monika Lofgren, Asa Ringqvist, Karin Rudling, Britt-Marie Stalnacke, Niklas Sorlen, Karin Uhlin, Hans Westergren, Bjorn Gerdle
Summary: A biopsychosocial approach is used in investigating and treating chronic pain. This study aims to examine whether changes in inflammation and metabolism patterns in saliva and blood correlate with clinical characteristics and rehabilitation outcomes in chronic pain patients.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Anna Dowling, Ellen Slungaard, Nicola R. Heneghan
Summary: A study on flight-related neck pain among military aircrew found that it has a significant and persistent impact on physical, occupational, psychological, and social aspects. Specific attention should be given to occupational, psychological, and social factors in addition to physical symptoms when managing neck pain in military aircrew.
Article
Sport Sciences
Essi K. Ahokas, Johanna K. Ihalainen, Helen G. Hanstock, Eero Savolainen, Heikki Kyrolainen
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a single infrared sauna session on post-exercise recovery. The results showed that infrared sauna attenuated the decrease in explosive performance and decreased muscle soreness after exercise.
Article
Sport Sciences
Olli-Pekka Nuuttila, Pekka Matomaki, Heikki Kyrolainen, Ari Nummela
Summary: This study examined the predictive quality of intervals performed at maximal sustainable effort to predict 3-km and 10-km running times. Changes in interval performance and associated changes in running performance were investigated. Results showed that maximal sustainable effort intervals can accurately predict 3-km and 10-km running performance and monitor training adaptations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Essi K. Ahokas, Helen G. Hanstock, Ida Lofberg, Mari Nyman, Piia Wenning, Heikki Kyrolainen, Ritva S. Mikkonen, Johanna K. Ihalainen
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate within-cycle differences in nocturnal heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) in naturally menstruating women (NM) and women using combined hormonal contraceptives (CU) or progestin-only hormonal contraceptives (PU). The results showed that the menstrual cycle and hormonal cycle phases influence autonomic nervous system balance, which is reflected in measurements of nocturnal HR and HRV.
MEDICINE & SCIENCE IN SPORTS & EXERCISE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Samuli Nevanpera, Nijia Hu, Simon Walker, Janne Avela, Jarmo M. Piirainen
Summary: The excitability of motoneurons can be measured using H-reflex and V-wave responses. The organization of motor control, the modulation of H-reflex and V-wave responses, and their repeatability during dynamic balance perturbations are unknown. In this study, the repeatability of H-reflex and V-wave measurements during dynamic balance perturbations was assessed. The results showed that the V-wave was significantly enhanced at 70 ms after the ankle movement and remained at this level at later latencies. The repeatability of V-wave was moderate-to-substantial, while the repeatability of H-reflex was fair-to-substantial. These findings suggest that changes in descending drive may contribute to the increased activation of motoneurons.
EXPERIMENTAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Akseli Laaksi, Ilkka Laaksi, Harri Pihlajamaki, Jani P. Vaara, Tiina Luukkaala, Heikki Kyrolainen
Summary: The present study examined the association of serum 25(OH)D levels with physical performance outcomes and serum levels of anabolic hormones in young men. The results showed a positive association between serum 25(OH)D levels and both aerobic and muscular fitness. Participants with sufficient levels of vitamin D also had higher levels of testosterone. Maintaining a sufficient serum 25(OH)D level may have beneficial effects on physical performance and anabolic state in young men.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Pekka Matomaki, Olli J. J. Heinonen, Ari Nummela, Jari Laukkanen, Eero-Pekka Auvinen, Leena Pirkola, Heikki Kyrolainen
Summary: This intervention study examined the effects of low-intensity and high-intensity endurance training on durability. The results showed that both types of training improved durability by reducing physiological drifts and delaying their onset, as well as by changing physiological strain. However, these improvements may not be significant for untrained individuals.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Paavo Nylanden, Mikko Virmavirta, Roope Sovelius, Heikki Kyrolainen, Tuomas Honkanen
Summary: Fighter pilots must withstand high Gz-forces that can damage the cervical spine. However, there is very little evidence on valid neck muscle strength measurement methods for fighter pilots. This study aimed to examine the validity of a commercial force gauge attached to a pilot's helmet for measuring isometric neck muscle strength.
AEROSPACE MEDICINE AND HUMAN PERFORMANCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Gonzalo Gomez-Guerrero, Janne Avela, Miro Enroth, Ella Haekkinen, Paul Ansdell, Glyn Howatson, Simon Walker
Summary: This study investigated the reliability of motor evoked potentials and lumbar evoked potentials at different stimulation intensities and contraction levels in m.rectus femoris. The results showed that MEPs and LEPs elicited in m.rectus femoris appear to be reliable to assess changes at different segments of the cortico-spinal tract during different contraction levels and stimulator output intensities. Furthermore, the TMS- and LS- elicited SP was a reliable tool considered to reflect inhibitory processes at spinal and cortical levels.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Nijia Hu, Jarmo M. Piirainen, Dawson J. Kidgell, Simon Walker, Janne Avela
Summary: Sensorimotor training and strength training can improve balance control. Little is known about how repeated balance perturbation training affects balance performance and its neural mechanisms. This study found that balance perturbation training led to less body sway and a potential increase in spinal-level involvement, indicating possible movement automaticity after perturbation training.
Article
Rehabilitation
Tommi Ojanen, Kai Pihlainen, Jussi Yli-Renko, Jani P. Vaara, Tarja Nykanen, Risto Heikkinen, Heikki Kyrolainen
Summary: This study aimed to observe the effects of a 36-hour recovery period on serum hormone concentrations, salivary cortisol, and marksmanship during a 10-day winter military survival training. The results showed that the recovery period attenuated the negative effects of the training and improved shooting performance. Therefore, appropriate recovery periods should be implemented to optimize occupational performance in high-stress environments.
BMC SPORTS SCIENCE MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Mikko Myllyla, Kai I. Parkkola, Tommi Ojanen, Olli J. Heinonen, Juha-Petri Ruohola, Tero Vahlberg, Heikki Kyrolainen
Summary: This study investigated the effects of a 12-month voluntary motivational training intervention among Finnish Defence Forces' (FDF) Navy soldiers. The results suggest that long-term voluntary training interventions may not be as successful as short-term supervised interventions. Additionally, the participants' motivation to exercise is a key factor for improving physical fitness among military personnel.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ella-Erika Soderlund, Heikki Kyrolainen, Outi M. Laitinen-Vapaavuori, Heli K. Hyytiainen
Summary: This study aims to describe a simple, easy-to-repeat, and inexpensive method for testing the intervention effects of training on endurance fitness in young Labrador Retrievers. Client-owned 16-week-old Labrador Retrievers will be divided into test and control groups. The test group will undergo an eight-week training program followed by a four-week detraining period, while the control group will live a normal puppy life. The dogs will be tested for endurance fitness four times at four-week intervals, evaluating changes in heart rate, blood lactate, heart rate recovery times, and running times.
METHODS AND PROTOCOLS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jani P. Vaara, K. Pihlainen, J. Rusila, T. Ojanen, H. Kyrolainen
Summary: This study evaluated the physical fitness and anthropometrics of soldiers during their early career. The results showed that there were small decrements in physical fitness and anthropometrics during this period. The findings suggest that support for exercise training may be needed even in the early career of soldiers.
BMJ MILITARY HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tommi Ojanen, Kai Pihlainen, Jani P. Vaara, Heikki Kyrolainen
Summary: The present study examined the changes in physiological, mental, and physical performance during a 20-day winter military training course and the subsequent 10-day recovery period. The study included 58 male soldiers who underwent measurements of body composition, serum biomarker levels, and performance tests. The results showed significant declines in body and fat mass, physical performance variables, testosterone, and IGF-1 concentrations, while sex hormone-binding globulin, creatine kinase, and C-reactive protein values increased. Although some physical performance variables returned to baseline after the recovery period, explosive force production in the upper and lower bodies remained unrecovered.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CIRCUMPOLAR HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Gonzalo Gomez-Guerrero, Paul Ansdell, Glyn Howatson, Janne Avela, Simon Walker
Summary: This study investigated spinal excitability during the transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) silent period (SP) at different time delays in m.rectus femoris. The results showed that reduced spinal excitability was extended during 50% and 75% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). In the future, paired TMS-lumbar stimulation (LS) could be a valuable method for studying changes in spinal excitability during SP and testing various neurophysiological phenomena.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
