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Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) broke out in China in December 2019 and now is a pandemic all around the world. In Italy, Northern regions were hit the hardest during the first wave. We aim to explore the prevalence and the exposure characteristics of physiotherapists (PTs) working in different Italian regions during the first wave of COVID-19. Methods: Between April and May 2020 a structured anonymous online survey was distributed to all PTs registered in the National Professional Registry to collect prevalence data of a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 (i.e., nasopharyngeal swab and/or serological test). A bottom-up agglomerative nesting hierarchical clustering method was applied to identify groups of regions based on response rate. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore personal and work-related factors associated with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. Results: A total of 15,566 PTs completed the survey (response rate 43.3%). The majority of respondents (57.7%) were from Northern regions. Considering all respondents, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Northern and Central Italy, was higher compared to those in Southern Italy (6.9% vs. 1.8%, P < 0.001); focusing the analysis on respondents who underwent nasopharyngeal swab and/or serological test led to similar findings (14.1% vs. 6.4%, P < 0.001). Working in Northern and Central regions was associated with a higher risk of confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 compared to Southern regions (OR 3.4, 95%CI 2.6 to 4.3). PTs working in Northern and Central regions were more likely to be reallocated to a different unit and changing job tasks, compared to their colleagues working in the Southern regions (10.5% vs 3.7%, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Work-related risk factors were differently distributed between Italian regions at the time of first pandemic wave, and PTs working in the Northern and Central regions were more at risk of a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, especially when working in hospitals. Preventive and organizational measures should be applied to harmonize physiotherapy services in the national context. Registration: https://osf.io/x7cha [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Only low-quality evidence is currently available to support the effectiveness of different traction modalities in the treatment of lumbar radiculopathy (LR). Yet, traction is still very commonly used in clinical practice. Some authors have suggested that the subgroup of patients presenting signs and symptoms of nerve root compression and unresponsive to movements centralizing symptoms may benefit from lumbar traction. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of vertical traction (VT) on pain and activity limitation in patients affected by LR. Methods: We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, ISI Web of Science and PEDro from their inception to March 31, 2019 to retrieve RCTs on adults with LR using VT to reduce pain and activity limitation. We considered only trials reporting complete data on outcomes. Two reviewers selected the studies, extracted the results, and performed the quality assessment using the Risk of Bias and GRADE tools. Results: Three studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was not possible due to the heterogeneity of the included studies. We found very low quality evidence for a large effect of VT added to bed rest when compared to bed rest alone (g = − 1.01; 95% CI = -2.00 to − 0.02). Similarly, VT added to medication may have a large effect on pain relief when compared to medication alone (g = − 1.13; 95% CI = -1.72 to − 0.54, low quality evidence). Effects of VT added to physical therapy on pain relief were very small when compared to physical therapy without VT (g = − 0.14; 95% CI = -1.03 to 0.76, low quality evidence). All reported effects concerned short-term effect up to 3 months post-intervention. Conclusions: With respect to short-term effects, VT may have a positive effect on pain relief if added to medication or bed rest. Long-term effects of VT are currently unknown. Future higher quality research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change these conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the impact of smartphone use on neck impairment and functional limitation in university students. A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in a sample of students selected through convenience sampling between September 2016 and March 2017. The inclusion criteria were university students at the School of Medicine and Surgery, routine/daily use of mobile devices with advanced computing and connectivity capability built on an operating system, and aged 18–30 years. Participants completed questionnaires that measured general characteristics of smartphone use and demographic characteristics. Neck pain was assessed using a visual analogue pain score (VAS) and a pain drawing (PD); disability status was measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI-I); and cervical postures while using the phone were captured using the Deluxe Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device. A total of 238 volunteers were recruited (22.4 ± 2.2 years of age, 53.4% males), 35.9% of whom were overweight (>25 BMI). Regarding neck pain, 42.4% reported mild pain, 8.4% had moderate pain, and the remaining 49.2% had no pain. NDI-I and VAS were 3.8 ± 3.8 and 13.6 ± 18.4 mm, respectively. The pain categories did not influence the variables. No significant correlations were observed between the number of hours spent and posture (CROM) while using a smartphone and neck pain and NDI-I. While half of young medical students reported neck pain, the use of smartphones was not correlated with neck pain and disability. While we wait for future prospective studies, there is no reason to recommend a change in smartphone use habits among young adults in the meantime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic low back pain represents a major problem throughout the world which is increasing largely because of the aging world population. Clinical practice Guidelines can be powerful tools for promoting evidence-based practice, as they integrate research findings in order to support decision making. This study aimed to review recommendations for the management of Chronic low Back Pain in primary care based on high-quality recent and recently updated Clinical practice Guidelines. CINHAL, PubMed, EMBASE, PEDro, Google Scholar, Government websites, Scientific Association websites were searched until April 2019. The retrieved documents underwent several consecutive selection steps: semi-automated duplicate screening, documents selection based on title and abstract screening. Finally, three independent investigators screened the documents for the selected inclusion criteria and reviewed the retrieved documents by means of the AGREE II instrument. A total of 3055 records were retrieved, of which 10 Clinical practice Guidelines met the inclusion criteria. The overall quality of these Clinical practice Guidelines was moderately variable. The recommendations of four Clinical practice Guidelines deemed as "excellent" were extracted and summarized. Although we tried to implement the most comprehensive research strategies, some Clinical practice Guidelines may be missing due to publication bias or incomplete indexing. This study showed a partial progress in respect of the methodological quality of the Clinical practice Guidelines. Several AGREE II domains demonstrated low scores, particularly the "applicability" and "monitoring and auditing criteria" are the domains most susceptible to amendments in future. Clinicians should be aware that among recently published/updated clinical practice guidelines for the management of chronic low back pain in primary care only few were deemed to have high quality. Increasing evidence suggests the efficacy for self-management to improve low back pain outcome. Physical treatments are recommended in order to improve low back pain outcome while many physical modalities such as TENS, ultrasound, laser therapy are not. Psychological treatments are recommended and should be included as part of a broader treatment plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Lumbar radiculopathy (LR) is a pain syndrome caused by compression/irritation of the lumbar nerve root(s). Traction is a well-known and commonly used conservative treatment for LR, although its effectiveness is disputed. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was to evaluate the effects of different types of traction added to or compared with conservative treatments on pain and disability. Methods Data were obtained from CENTRAL, PUBMED, CINAHL, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and PEDro from their inception to April 2020. All randomized controlled trials on adults with LR, using mechanical traction, and without any restriction regarding publication time or language were considered. Two reviewers selected the studies, evaluated the quality assessment, and extracted the results. Meta-analysis used a random-effects model. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, and 5 were meta-analyzed. Results Meta-analyses of results from low-quality studies indicated that supine mechanical traction added to physical therapist treatments had significant effects on pain (g = −0.58 [95% confidence interval = −0.87 to −0.29]) and disability (g = −0.78 [95% confidence interval = −1.45 to −0.11]). Analyses of results from high-quality studies of prone mechanical traction added to physical therapist intervention for pain and disability were not significant. These results were also evident at short-term follow-up (up to 3 months after intervention). Conclusion The literature suggests that, for pain and disability in LR, there is short-term effectiveness of supine mechanical traction when added to physical therapist intervention. Impact This systematic review may be relevant for clinical practice due to its external validity because the treatments and the outcome measures are very similar to those commonly used in a clinical context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Signs and symptoms of impaired function of the musculoskeletal system may be targeted by treating dysfunction located elsewhere.Hypothesis: Abdominal control feedback and scapular stabilization exercise interventions would result in positive changes in pain intensity, strength, electromyography, and flexion-relaxation phenomena in women with forward head and round shoulder postures and neck movement impairment.Study Design: Pretest-posttest intervention.Level Of Evidence: Level 1.Methods: A total of 135 women (aged 27.23 ± 1.9 years) with forward head and round shoulder postures were randomized to 3 groups. Group 1 received 6-week scapular stabilization exercises with abdominal control feedback (n = 45), group 2 received 6-week scapular stabilization exercises without abdominal control feedback (n = 45), and group 3 received active self-exercise as a control group (n = 45). Posture, pain, proprioception, strength, and electromyography were assessed before and after the interventions.Results: There were significant between-group differences in pain, proprioception, strength, and electromyography favoring group 1. There were significant within-group changes in posture, pain, proprioception, strength, and electromyography in both groups 1 and 2. No significant change was observed for muscle strength.Conclusion: The addition of abdominal control feedback to the scapular stabilization exercises was shown to be superior to the scapular stabilization exercises alone for decreasing neck pain and restoring proper proprioception, strength, and electromyography in females with forward head and round shoulder postures and neck movement impairment.Clinical Relevance: The addition of abdominal control feedback to scapular stabilization exercises is superior to scapular stabilization exercises alone on the neck for improving electromyography, strength, and function in females with forward head and round shoulder postures and neck movement impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Walking is commonly recommended to relieve pain and improve function in chronic low back pain. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials concerning the effectiveness of walking interventions compared to other physical exercise on pain, disability, quality of life and fear-avoidance, in chronic low back pain. Methods: Randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of walking alone compared to exercise and to exercise with added walking on adults with chronic low back pain were identified using the MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PsychINFO, and SPORT DiscusTM databases. Two reviewers independently selected the studies and extracted the results. Study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale and the clinical relevance of each outcome measure was evaluated. Results: Meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials meeting inclusion criteria was performed. The effectiveness of walking and exercise at short-, mid-, and long-term follow-ups appeared statistically similar. Adding walking to exercise did not induce any further statistical improvement, at short-term. Conclusions: Pain, disability, quality of life and fear-avoidance similarly improve by walking or exercise in chronic low back pain. Walking may be considered as an alternative to other physical activity. Further studies with larger samples, different walking dosages, and different walking types should be conducted. Implications for Rehabilitation: Walking is commonly recommended as an activity in chronic low back pain. Pain, disability, and fear-avoidance similarly improve by walking or exercise. Adding walking to exercise does not induce greater improvement in the short-term. Walking may be a less-expensive alternative to physical exercise in chronic low back pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Return to work (RTW) of cancer survivors (CSs) fluctuates in different contexts. This systematic review searched for recent data on the RTW rate of CSs in Europe, investigating associated factors.Methods: Bibliographic search covered the period from January 2010 to February 2018, with no language restrictions. European population-based studies assessing RTW rate after cancer diagnosis were included. We excluded studies focusing on a specific cancer diagnosis.Results: Twelve observational studies were selected. The cohorts investigated included 280 to 46,720 individuals from Northwestern and Central Europe diagnosed with cancer from 1987 to 2010. The median interval between diagnosis and documented RTW was 2 years (0.2-23.4 years). RTW rates of CSs ranged from 39 to 77%. RTW of individuals employed at the time of diagnosis ranged from 60 to 92%, the latter registered in a sample with good prognosis. Personal factors, work-related factors, and cancer-related factors were all associated with RTW. Healthcare team interventions facilitated reintegration to work.Conclusions: Data from Mediterranean and Central European countries are urgently needed to understand whether RTW is an issue for CSs there as well and whether socio-rehabilitative interventions are required to mitigate the potential negative impact of cancer on individuals and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to provide an Italian version of the Haemophilia Activities List (HAL) and check its reliability in Italian medical centers. Methods: The Italian version of this assessment was administered to 80 patients (aged 18-65 years) affected by haemophilia A and B (moderate or severe). The validation was accomplished by comparing it to the revised and expanded Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales (AIMS2). Results: The internal consistency of the Italian version of the HAL had statistically high results: Cronbach's α 0.957-0.579. The highest internal consistency was measured in the domains 'leg functionality' and in the overall points of the HAL questionnaire. The correlation between the AIMS2, which has been translated into Italian, and the version of the HAL questionnaire that we proposed, yielded good results for the following correlations: AIMS2 all and HAL overall (r = 0.64), AIMS2 physical function and HAL overall (r = 0.66), AIMS2 pain and HAL overall (r = 0.66). Conclusion: The Italian version of the HAL questionnaire presents both internal coherence and convergent validity. It can be used in addition to other functional tests to measure outcomes in moderate and severe haemophiliac diseases or to determine the quality of life as observed in the everyday life of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this trial was to investigate changes in pain, the range of motion (ROM) and spasticity in people with painful hemiplegic shoulder (PHS) after the application of an upper limb neuromuscular taping (NMT).Methods: We conducted a randomised clinical trial. The study included 32 people, 31% female (mean ± SD age: 66 ± 9 years), with PHS after stroke with pain at rest and during functional movements. The experimental group received the application of NMT and a standard physical therapy programme (SPTP), whereas the control group received SPTP. The groups received four 45-minute long sessions over four weeks. The VAS, ROM and spasticity were assessed before and after the intervention with follow-up at four weeks.Results: The experimental group had a greater reduction in pain compared to the control group at the end of the intervention, as well as at one month after the intervention (p < 0.001; all the group differences were greater than 4.5 cm, which is greater than the minimal clinically important difference of 2.0 cm). The experimental group had a significantly higher (i.e. better) ROM, by 30.0°, than the control group in shoulder flexion (95% CI: 37.3–22.7) at 4 weeks and by 24.8° (95% CI: 32.1–17.6) at 8 weeks as well as in abduction by 30.6° (95% CI: 37.5–23.7) at 4 weeks and 25.1° (95% CI: 33.8–16.3) at 8 weeks.Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that NMT decreases pain and increases the ROM in subjects with shoulder pain after a stroke.Implications for RehabilitationPainful hemiplegic shoulder is a frequent complication after stroke with negative impacts on functional activities and on quality of life of people, moreover restricts rehabilitation intervention.Neuromuscular taping is a technique introduced by David Blow for the treatment of neuromuscoloskeletal problems.This study shows the reduction of pain and the improvement of range of motion after the application of an upper limb neuromuscular taping.Rehabilitation professionals who are involved in the management of painful hemiplegic shoulder may like to consider the benefits that neuromuscular taping can produce on upper limb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to conduct a current review of randomized controlled trials regarding the effect of conservative interventions on pain and function in people with thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis (OA), perform a meta-analysis of the findings and summarize current knowledge.Method: Data were obtained from MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PEDro and CENTRAL databases from their inception to May 2014. Reference lists of relevant literature reviews were also searched. All published randomized trials without restrictions to time of publication or language were considered for inclusion. Study subjects were symptomatic adults with thumb CMC OA. Two reviewers independently selected studies, conducted quality assessment and extracted results. Data were pooled in a meta-analysis, when possible, using a random-effects model. Quality of the body evidence was assessed using GRADE approach.Results: Sixteen RCTs involving 1145 participants met the inclusion criteria. Twelve were of high quality (PEDro score > 6). We found moderate quality evidence that manual therapy and therapeutic exercise combined with manual therapy improve pain in thumb CMC OA at short- and intermediate-term follow-up, and from low to moderate quality evidences that magneto therapy improves pain and function at short-term follow-up. Orthoses (splints) were found to improve function at long-term follow-up and pinch strength at short-term follow-up. Finally, we found from very low to low-quality evidence that other conservative interventions provide no significant improvement in pain and in function at short- and long-term follow-up.Conclusions: Some of the commonly performed conservative interventions performed in therapy have evidence to support their use to improve hand function and decrease hand pain. Additional research is required to determine the efficacy of other therapeutic interventions that are performed with patients with thumb CMC OA.Implications for RehabilitationManual therapy and exercise are an effective means of improving pain and function at short-term follow-up by patients with thumb CMC OA.Magneto therapy, manual therapy, manual therapy and exercise and Orthoses (splints) were found to have clinically significant results.Very few of the included studies showed a clinically significant effect size in favor of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Taping is a widely used therapeutic tool for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, nevertheless its effectiveness is still uncertain. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to conduct a current review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning the effects of elastic and nonelastic taping on spinal pain and disability. Data Sources. MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PEDro, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Scopus, IS1 Web of Knowledge, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched. Study Selection. All published RCTs on symptomatic adults with a diagnosis of specific or nonspecific spinal pain, myofascial pain syndrome, or whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) were considered. Data Extraction. Two reviewers independently selected the studies and extracted the results. The quality of individual studies was assessed using the PEDro scale, and the evidence was assessed using GRADE criteria. Data Synthesis. Eight RCTs were included. Meta-analysis of 4 RCTs on low back pain demonstrated that elastic taping does not significantly reduce pain or disability immediately posttreatment, with a standardized mean difference of —0.31 (95% confidence interval = — 0.64, 0.02) and —0.23 (95% confidence interval= — 0.49, 0.03), respectively. Results from single trials indicated that both elastic and nonelastic taping are not better than placebo or no treatment on spinal disability. Positive results were found only for elastic taping and only for short-term pain reduction in WAD or specific neck pain. Generally, the effect sizes were very small or not clinically relevant, and all results were supported by low-quality evidence. Limitations. The paucity of studies does not permit us to draw any final conclusions. Conclusion. Although different types of taping were investigated, the results of this systematic review did not show any firm support for their effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Physiotherapists and clinicians require methods that can be used in everyday practice for measuring proprioception of the trunk in individuals with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to conduct a systematic literature review of methods used for assessment of proprioception of the trunk in individuals with non-specific low back pain.METHOD: Data were obtained from MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PEDro and CENTRAL databases from their inception to December 2011. Reference lists of the selected reviews were hand searched for other potentially relevant studies. Randomized and nonrandomized controlled studies proprioception of the trunk in individuals with low back pain were selected. Thirty-six studies satisfied the selection criteria and were included in this review.RESULTS: Two reviewers independently selected the studies, conducted the quality assessment, and extracted data from each study. The Strobe scale was used to evaluate the scientific rigor of each selected study.CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review covered all the relevant literature, but none of the included studies offered a valid, reliable and feasible method to assess neuromotor capacity in everyday physiotherapy clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The goal of this study is to verify whether the Locomotor quotient of Griffith Mental Development Scales (GMDS) can be considered a useful tool of screening for neurological disabilities in conjunction with objective tests. We explored whether there exists an association between the specialized medical examination and the GMDS Locomotor score at 6 and 12 months, and subsequently if it is possible to identify predictive factors at the birth of motor disability development. Materials and Methods: The sample includes 35 children born before the 32nd gestational week with a birth weight less than 1500 g. The neurological examination was performed by an experienced physician using the criteria outlined by Milani-Comparetti and Amiel-Tison, while infant level of development was assessed using GMDS. Results: Significant correlation was found between the medical diagnosis and the GMDS at 6 and 12 months. The intraventricular hemorrhage of III-IV degree and periventricular leukomalacia were confirmed to be predictive risk factors for the development of motor disability. Conclusion: Locomotor quotient of GMDS could be used in conjunction with the standard neurological assessment to screen for motor disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background. Given the prevalence of chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNSNP) internationally, attention has increasingly been paid in recent years to evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic exercise (TE) in the management of this condition. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to conduct a current review of randomized controlled trials concerning the effect of TE on pain and disability among people with CNSNP, perform a meta-analysis, and summarize current understanding. Data Sources. Data were obtained from MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), EMBASE, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases from their inception to August 2012. Reference lists of relevant literature reviews also were tracked. Study Selection. All published randomized trials without any restriction regarding time of publication or language were considered for inclusion. Study participants had to be symptomatic adults with only CNSNP. Data Extraction. Two reviewers independently selected the studies, conducted the quality assessment, and extracted the results. Data were pooled in a meta-analysis using a random-effects model. Data Synthesis. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Therapeutic exercise proved to have medium and significant short-term and intermediate-term effects on pain (g0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]0.86 to 0.20, and g0.45, 95% CI0.82 to 0.07, respectively) and medium but not significant short-term and intermediate-term effects on disability (g0.39, 95% CI0.86 to 0.07, and g0.46, 95% CI1.00 to 0.08, respectively). Limitations. Only one study investigated the effect of TE on pain and disability at follow-up longer than 6 months after intervention. Conclusions. Consistent with other reviews, the results support the use of TE in the management of CNSNP. In particular, a significant overall effect size was found supporting TE for its effect on pain in both the short and intermediate terms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Post-essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm. Thrombosis and hemorrhages are complications of essential thrombocytemia caused by quantitative and qualitative alteration of platelet. The incidence of thrombotic and haemorrhagic 'major' events at diagnosis is respectively 7% and 4%. The results of these episodes can be severely disabling. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to present a interprofessional and unusual intervention that provides for the integration of the methods Affolter and Hobart in a person affected by Post-Essential Thrombocythemia Myelofibrosis with of ponto-cerebellar ischemic stroke. Study Design: Case Report Methods: We report a case of a 38 years old woman, hospitalized for a period of one year at the Medical Rehabilitation Unit of a Hospital in Emilia Romagna. The intervention of the integration methods Affolter and Hobart was performed once a week for a period of eight months through collaboration between a physiotherapist and a psychologist. The Outcomes examined concerning communication, motor, functional skills of the patient and were measured every month, through rating scales provided by the protocol of ' Network GRACER' (Severe Brain Emilia Romagna) as the Levels of Cognitive Functioning (LCF), the Functional Indipendence Measure (FIM™), the Barthel Index e la Disability Rating Scale (DRS). The tactile and proprioceptive sensibility were also evaluated. Results: At the end of the treatment period all outcomes showed positive changes. Discussion and Conclusions: The positive results of this study suggest that the integration of the methods Affolter and Hobart might be an effective therapeutic strategy for critically ill patients, with a state of minimum responsiveness and restricted movement. They also suggest that the presence of an interdisciplinary team of professionals is crucial in achieving improvement targets in complex patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Scienza Riabilitativa is the property of Associazione Italiana Fisioterapisti and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Scienza Riabilitativa is the property of Associazione Italiana Fisioterapisti and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Scienza Riabilitativa is the property of Associazione Italiana Fisioterapisti and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Scienza Riabilitativa is the property of Associazione Italiana Fisioterapisti and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article discusses the effectiveness of an extension-oriented exercise program which aims to prevent low back and neck pain in nursery school teachers. It informs that nursery school teachers in the U.S. mostly suffer from musculoskeletal disorders due to excessive work load of teaching duties and child care.

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Background and Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a preventive ergonomic intervention, which was provided by physical therapists, on spinal and upper-extremity work-related posture and symptom complaints of workers who use video display terminals (VDT). Subjects Two hundred employees who spent at least 20 hours per week at a VDT were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group E received the ergonomic intervention and an informative brochure, and group I received only the brochure. Methods Both groups were evaluated at the beginning of the study and at a follow-up 5 months later. The following tools were used: a pain drawing and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method to assess spinal and upper-extremity work-related posture. Results Group E had a lower REBA score and reduced lower back, neck, and shoulder symptoms compared with group I. Discussion and Conclusion The results suggest that a personalized preventive ergonomic intervention can improve spinal and upper-extremity work-related posture and musculoskeletal symptoms for workers who use VDTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]