Objective The aim of this study was to summarize evidence on the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise in Fibromyalgia Syndrome. Design Studies retrieved from the Cochrane Plus, PEDro, and Pubmed databases were systematically reviewed. Randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses involving adults with fibromyalgia were included. The primary outcomes considered in this systematic review were pain, global well-being, symptoms of depression, and health-related quality of life. Results Effects were summarized using standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals using a random effects model. This study provides strong evidence that physical exercise reduces pain (−1.11 [95% CI] −1.52; −0.71; overall effect p < 0.001), global well-being (−0.67 [95% CI] −0.89, −0.45; p < 0.001), and symptoms of depression (−0.40 [95% CI] −0.55, −0.24; p < 0.001) and that it improves both components of health-related quality of life (physical: 0.77 [95% CI] 0.47; 1.08; p < 0.001; mental: 0.49 [95% CI] 0.27; 0.71; p < 0.001). Conclusions This study concludes that aerobic and muscle strengthening exercises are the most effective way of reducing pain and improving global well-being in people with fibromyalgia and that stretching and aerobic exercises increase health-related quality of life. In addition, combined exercise produces the biggest beneficial effect on symptoms of depression.

Performing everyday actions requires fine postural control, which is a major focus of functional rehabilitation programs. Among the various range of training methods likely to improve balance and postural stability, motor imagery practice (MIP) yielded promising results. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the primary motor cortex was also found to potentiate the benefits of MIP on upper-limb motor tasks. Yet, combining both techniques has not been tested for tasks requiring fine postural control. To determine the impact of MIP and the additional effects of tDCS, 14 participants performed a postural control task before and after two experimental (MIP + anodal or sham tDCS over the primary motor cortex) and one control (control task + sham tDCS) conditions, in a double blind randomized study. Data revealed a significant decrease of the time required to perform the postural task. Greater performance gains were recorded when MIP was paired with anodal tDCS and when the task involved the most complex postural adjustments. Altogether, findings highlight short-term effects of MIP on postural control and suggest that combining MIP with tDCS might also be effective in rehabilitation programs for regaining postural skills in easily fatigable persons and neurologic populations.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of conservative treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome with physical exercise. [Subjects and Methods] A computer-based review conducted of four databases (PubMed, the Cochrane Library, PEDro, and the University Library) was completed based on the inclusion criteria of patellofemoral pain syndrome patients treated with physical exercise methods and examination with self-reported pain and/or functional questionnaires. [Results] The findings of ten clinical trials of moderate to high quality were evaluated to determine the effectiveness of physical exercise as conservative management for patellofemoral pain syndrome. [Conclusion] The intervention programs that were most effective in relieving pain and improving function in patellofemoral pain syndrome included proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching and strengthening exercises for the hip external rotator and abductor muscles and knee extensor muscles.

The relationship between forward head posture (FHP) and neck pain is not clear. FHP could possibly increase the mechanosensitivity of cervical tissues, which could lead to the development of pain depending on the adaptation capability of the central nervous system. The purpose of this study was to analyse the influence of FHP in the mechanosensitivity of articular, muscular, and neural tissues related to the cervical spine. The pressure pain threshold was bilaterally measured in different muscles and nerves and the second cervical vertebrae. The cervical spine’s range of movement was also examined. The measurements were obtained from people with (n = 32) and without (n = 64) FHP. The analyses included a 2-by-2 mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA), pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni correction, and point-biserial correlation coefficients. Subjects with FHP showed a less pressure pain threshold (PPT) in all locations except for the upper trapezius and scalenus medius muscles. They also showed less extension and right-rotation range of motion. There was no association between FHP, neck pain, disability, and headache. Nevertheless, more research is needed to evaluate the relationship between FHP, tissue mechanosensitivity, and neck pain.

Objective: Latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) of the levator scapulae have a high prevalence and may influenceconditions of the neck and shoulder. The pressure release technique is one of the most recommended manual therapy techniques. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of varying durations of the pressure release technique application on latent MTrPs of the levator scapulae. Methods: In a three-arm (1:1:1 ratio), double-blinded, parallel, randomised clinical trial, 60 healthy university students (23 men, 37 women) with a mean±SD age of 20.0±2.67 years were recruited. Subjects were assigned to receive pressure release in one latent MTrP of the levator scapulae lasting 30s (T30s; n=17), 60s (T60s; n=22) or 90s (T90s; n=21). Active cervical range of movement (CROM), strength, pressure pain threshold (PPT) and neck pain intensity at full stretch were measured immediately before and after treatment. Results: Mixed-model analyses of variance showed statistically significant differences for PPT (P=0.045; partial Eta2=0.103), comparing T60s versus T30s (P=0.009; Cohen’s d=1.044) and T90s versus T30s groups (P=0.001; Cohen’s d=1.253), and for left side bending strength (P=0.043; partial Eta2=0.105), comparing T90s versus T30s (P=0.023; Cohen’s d=0.907). The rest of the comparisons did not present any significant differences (P⩾0.05). Conclusions: The 60 s and 90 s applications of the pressure release technique may be recommended to increase PPT and strength, respectively, in latent MTrPs of the levator scapulae in the short term. Trial registration number: NCT03006822.

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Objective To determine if adding dry needling to a four-week exercise program has an additional benefit compared with adding sham dry needling to the same exercise program in subjects with chronic low back pain. Design Randomized clinical trial. Setting Physiotherapy and Pain Clinic of Alcala University. Subjects Forty-six patients with chronic low back pain. Methods Subjects were randomized to two groups: the dry needling group (N = 23) or sham dry needling group (N = 23). Both groups received a four-week exercise program and before the exercise started a session of dry needling or sham dry needling. Pain (visual analog scale), disability (Roland-Morris Questionnaire), and fear avoidance beliefs (Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire) were assessed at baseline, after treatment, and at three-month follow-up. Pressure pain thresholds (algometer) were measured at baseline, after the dry needling or the sham dry needling, and after treatment. Results Both groups showed significant improvements for all variables. In the between-group comparison, the dry needling group improved significantly in pain at three-month follow-up and pressure pain thresholds at the end of treatment for all measures, and at three-month follow-up there was no improvement in gluteus medium. Conclusions In chronic low back patients, adding dry needling to a four-week exercise program has an additional benefit in pain and sensitivity compared with adding sham dry needling to the same exercise program.

Despite being asymptomatic, people with a depressed scapular have greater neck and upper limb neural tissue mechanosensitivity when compared to people with a normal scapular orientation. This study offers insight into the potential development of neck-arm pain due to a depressed scapular position.