Musculoskeletal science & practice
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Musculoskelet Sci Pract · Aug 2017
ReviewEvolution of the methodological quality of controlled clinical trials for myofascial trigger point treatments for the period 1978-2015: A systematic review.
The methodological quality of controlled clinical trials (CCTs) of physiotherapeutic treatment modalities for myofascial trigger points (MTrP) has not been investigated yet. ⋯ The average PEDro score of CCTs for MTrP treatments does not reach the cut-off of 6 proposed for moderate to high methodological quality. Nevertheless, a promising trend towards an increase of the average methodological quality of CCTs for MTrPs was recorded. More high-quality CCT studies with thorough research procedures are recommended to enhance methodological quality.
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Musculoskelet Sci Pract · Jun 2017
Mechanical effects of traction on lumbar intervertebral discs: A magnetic resonance imaging study.
Although traction has long been used for treating patients with low back pain (LBP), its effects are still inconclusive mainly because of limited high-quality evidence. ⋯ Horizontal traction was evidently effective in increasing the disc height of lower lumbar levels, particularly in the posterior regions of the discs. Further evidence of the effects of traction of different modes, magnitudes, and durations on the change in disc height is required for proper control of traction applied to specific disc levels.
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Musculoskelet Sci Pract · Apr 2017
Comparative StudyDifferences in kinematics of the lumbar spine and lower extremities between people with and without low back pain during the down phase of a pick up task, an observational study.
Limited research exists on lumbar spine and lower extremity movement during functional tasks in people with and without low back pain (LBP). ⋯ When evaluating movement during a functional task, the clinician should consider regional differences in the lumbar spine, pattern of movement, and lower extremity movement.