Spine
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Qigong versus exercise versus no therapy for patients with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial.
Randomized controlled trial. ⋯ Qigong was more effective than no treatment in patients with chronic neck pain. Further studies could be designed without waiting list control and should use a larger sample to clarify the value of qigong compared to exercise therapy.
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A prospective study in a chronic pain/ disability population, relating changes in the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), as well as the Mental Component Summary (MCS) and Physical Component Summary (PCS) of the Short Form-36 (SF-36), to work retention (WR) status at 1-year postrehabilitation. ⋯ The current analyses suggest that the ODI and SF-36 MCS and PCS measures are not responsive at the individual patient level when WR data are used as the external criterion using an anchor-based approach. This finding contrasts to reports of responsiveness based on distributional methods, or methods using self-report anchors of change.
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In vivo validation during functional loading. ⋯ The 3D cervical spine motion can be precisely measured in vivo with submillimeter accuracy during functional loading without the need for bead implantation. Fusion instrumentation did not diminish the accuracy of kinematic and arthrokinematic results. The semiautomated model-based tracking technique has excellent repeatability.
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Cross-sectional population-based study using administrative databases, census data, and surveys of orthopedic/neurosurgeons, family physicians (FPs) and patients in Ontario, Canada. ⋯ Prior studies have not addressed the role of patient enthusiasm for surgery. Although patients and FPs had variable enthusiasm for surgery, surgeon enthusiasm was the dominant potentially modifiable factor influencing surgical rates. Prevalence of disease and community resources were not related to surgical rates. Strategies targeting surgeon practices may reduce regional variation in care and improve access disparities.