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Contextual factor use by healthcare professionals has been studied mainly among nurses and physiotherapists. Preliminary results show that healthcare professionals use contextual factors without specifically labelling them as such. The main objective of this study was to evaluate knowledge and explore voluntary contextual factor use among various healthcare professions. The results aim to facilitate hypothesis-generation, to better position further research to explain and characterise contextual factor use. We conducted a web-based questionnaire cross-sectional observational study on a non-probabilistic convenience sample. Face and content validity were tested through cognitive interviews. Data were analysed descriptively. The target population was the main healthcare profession, or final year students, defined by the French public health law. The countries of distribution of the questionnaire were the French-speaking European countries. Among our 1236 participants, use of contextual factors was widespread. Those relating to the therapeutic relationship (e.g., communication) and patient characteristics (e.g., past experiences) were reportedly the most used. Meanwhile, contextual factors related to the healthcare providers' characteristics and their own beliefs were reported as less used. Despite high variability, respondents suggested contextual effects contribute to approximately half of the overall effect in healthcare and were perceived as more effective on children and elderly adults. Conceptual variations that exist in the literature are also present in the way healthcare providers consider contextual effects. Interestingly, there seems to be common ground between how physiotherapists, nurses and physicians use different contextual factors. Finally, in the present study we also observed that while there are similarities across usage, there is lack of both an epistemological and ethical consensus among healthcare providers with respect to contextual factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to understand whether ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and dynamic knee valgus (DKV) kinematic inter-limb asymmetries would be associated with the Lateral Step-Down Test (LSD) in basketball players with chronic ankle instability (CAI), patellofemoral pain (PFP) and healthy controls (HC). An observational cross-sectional study with a between-subject design was employed. Female basketball athletes with CAI (n = 20), PFP (n = 20) and HC (n = 20) were recruited. Ankle dorsiflexion-ROM, DKV angle during a single-limb squat, and LSD quality were measured bilaterally. The Asymmetry index (ASI) was calculated to identify between-limb percentage imbalances. The correlation matrix between the tasks was calculated. Ankle dorsiflexion-ROM was less in the CAI and PFP than in the HC group regardless of limb (p < 0.001). DKV angle was greater in the CAI and PFP than in the HC group bilaterally (p < 0.001). LSDs were similar between the PFP and CAI groups (p = 0.698) but worse than the HC group (p = 0.001). The ASI showed asymmetry across all tasks (p < 0.001), with the greatest asymmetry for the DKV angle. The correlation matrix between tasks on both limbs was significant (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest significant asymmetries in ankle dorsiflexion-ROM and frontal plane knee control are present in female basketball athletes with CAI and PFP, and thus, highlights need to evaluate and reduce limb asymmetries in these populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to measure the acute effects of kinesio taping at different stretches on tuck jump performance in active individuals. Seventy-five males (23.01±2.24 years, 178.35±8.12 cm, 72.47±6.58 kg) were randomly distributed into three groups: (1) kinesio taping without stretch, (2) kinesio taping with approximately 50% stretch, and (3) kinesio taping with approximately 75% stretch. The tuck jump performance of all participants was determined at baseline, immediately after applying kinesio taping, and 24 and 72 hours later. The participants' tuck jump performance did not improve immediately after the kinesio taping application, 24 hours, and 72 hours after the application. No significant differences were found between the kinesio taping groups at any time point (p >0.05). This study demonstrated no effects of kinesio taping on neuromuscular performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to perform two tasks simultaneously is essential for daily activities. In older adults, this ability is markedly reduced, as evidenced by the dual-task cost on gait. Preliminary evidences indicate that the dual-task cost can be influenced by different types of manipulations. Here, we explored the effectiveness of a new approach to reduce the dual-task cost, based on the placebo effect, a psychobiological phenomenon whereby a positive outcome follows the administration of an inert device thought to be effective. Thirty-five healthy older adults were asked to walk on a sensorized carpet (single-task condition) and to walk while counting backward (dual-task condition) in two sessions (pre-test and post-test). A placebo group, randomly selected, underwent sham transcranial direct current stimulation over the supraorbital areas between sessions, along with information about its positive effects on concentration and attention. A control group did not receive any intervention between sessions. The dual-task cost was significantly reduced in the placebo group at the post-test session compared to the pre-test for several gait parameters (Cohen's d > 1.43). At the post-test session, the dual-task cost was also lower in the placebo group than in the control group (d > 0.73). Cognitive (number of subtractions and number of errors) and subjective (perceived mental fatigability) variables remained stable across sessions. The reduced dual-task cost in the placebo group could indicate the ability to re-establish the allocation of attentional resources between tasks. These findings could contribute to the development of cognitive strategies that leverage positive expectations to boost motor control in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variation during practice is widely accepted to be advantageous for motor learning and is, therefore, a valuable strategy to effectively reduce high-risk landing mechanics and prevent primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Few attempts have examined the specific effects of variable training in athletes who have undergone ACL reconstruction. Thereby, it is still unclear to what extent the variations in different sensor areas lead to different effects. Accordingly, we compared the effects of versatile movement variations (DL) with variations of movements with emphasis on disrupting visual information (VMT) in athletes who had undergone ACL reconstruction. Forty-five interceptive sports athletes after ACL reconstruction were randomly allocated to a DL group (n = 15), VT group (n = 15), or control group (n = 15). The primary outcome was functional performance (Triple Hop Test). The secondary outcomes included dynamic balance (Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT)), biomechanics during single-leg drop-landing task hip flexion (HF), knee flexion (KF), ankle dorsiflexion (AD), knee valgus (KV), and vertical ground reaction force (VGRF), and kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK)) assessed before and after the 8 weeks of interventions. Data were analyzed by means of 3 × 2 repeated measures ANOVA followed by post hoc comparison (Bonferroni) at the significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Significant group × time interaction effects, main effect of time, and main effect of group were found for the triple hop test and all eight directions, SEBT, HF, KF, AD, KV, VGRF, and TSK. There was no significant main effect of group in the HF and triple hop test. Additionally, significant differences in the triple hop test and the seven directions of SEBT, HF, KF, KV, VGRF, and TSK were found between the control group and the DL and VMT groups. Between group differences in AD and the medial direction of SEBT were not significant. Additionally, there were no significant differences between VMT and the control group in the triple hop test and HF variables. Both motor learning (DL and VMT) programs improved outcomes in patients after ACL reconstruction. The findings suggest that DL and VMT training programs lead to comparable improvements in rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and comorbidity worldwide. High blood pressure and resting heart rate are risk factors (or vital signs) critical to cardiovascular health, patient safety, and medical management. Physiotherapists play a fundamental role in risk factor identification, early diagnosis, and subsequent management of cardiovascular disease. To date there is limited research in Europe investigating the level of knowledge and skills possessed by physiotherapists regarding cardiovascular disease screening. Three studies previously observed inadequate vital signs screening behaviors of physiotherapists practicing in the United States and Saudi Arabia. The primary aim of this study was to investigate cardiovascular knowledge and screening practices among Italian physiotherapists, according to the current practice recommendations.Methods: A Cross-Sectional Survey was developed adapting two previous surveys. The survey was administered to members of the Italian Physiotherapy Association. Chi squared test, Mann-Whitney test or Kruskal-Wallis test were used to study differences among subgroups and question responses.Results: The required sample size was met with total of 387 Italian physiotherapists completing the survey. 80% consider relevant cardiovascular assessment. However, 72.2% were not familiar to guidelines recommendations and only 50% screen vital signs routinely. Their knowledge of normative blood pressure (high-normal, 16%; hypertension, 12%) and heart rate values (bradycardia, 24%; tachycardia, 26%) were low. Although participants reported being skilled for blood pressure measurement (quite sure, 52%; sure, 27%), their adherence to guidelines is low (baseline measurement on both arm, 25%; 3 repeated measures, 46%). Only 27.8% reported to measure exercise related BP and 21.3% of them understood the concept of exaggerated BP. No significant differences between subgroups were found.Conclusions: Our study revealed that a concerning proportion of Italian physiotherapists are not versed in fundamentals of properly performing cardiovascular screenings. This lack of knowledge is present across the profession and may impact on appropriate triage and management. The poorly executed screening has the potential to negatively impact the patient and the practitioner. Given the absence of Italian guidelines, we produced and implemented three infographics for public use, which have the dual objective of raising awareness about this subject and providing practical resources for everyday practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate how facilitatory and inhibitory KT of the Vastus Medialis affected the activation and the fatigue indices of VM, Vastus Lateralis (VL) and Rectus Femoris (RF) throughout a dynamic fatigue protocol. Seventeen collegiate athletes (Ten males, seven females, age: 24.76 ± 3.99 years, height: 1.73 ± 0.10 m, mass: 68.11 ± 8.54 kg) voluntarily participated in four dynamic fatigue protocol sessions in which no-tape (control condition), inhibitory, facilitatory and sham KTs were applied to the Vastus Medialis in each session. The protocol included 100 dynamic maximum concentric knee extensions at 90°/s using an isokinetic dynamometry device. The knee extensor muscle activities were recorded using wireless surface electromyography. The average muscle activity (Root mean square) during the first three repetitions and the repetitions number of 51–100, respectively, were used to calculate the before and after exhaustion muscle activity. Furthermore, median frequency slope during all repetitions was reported as the fatigue rate of muscles during different KT conditions and for the control condition (no-tape). The results showed neither muscle activation (significance for the main effect of KT; VM = 0.82, VL = 0.72, RF = 0.19) nor fatigue rate (significance for the main effect of KT; VM = 0.11 VL = 0.71, RF = 0.53) of the superficial knee extensor muscles were affected in all four conditions. These findings suggest that the direction of KT cannot reduce, enhance muscle activity or cause changes in muscle exhaustion. Future studies should investigate the generalizability of current findings to other populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aimed at exploring the perspectives and experiences of individuals with neck pain by synthesizing all available qualitative studies. Methods A systematic, qualitative meta-summary and meta-synthesis was conducted following the 5-step methodology proposed by Sandelowski and Barroso. A systematic search of 9 electronic databases was conducted in May 2021. Methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. Results Nine studies were included in the meta-synthesis for a total of 103 participants (73 women). Eleven categories were identified as belonging to 3 main themes: physical ("My neck has gone wrong"); psychological ("I am worried about my recovery"); and social ("Pain limits my life"). In the physical theme, the categories with the highest frequency were symptoms (67%) followed by body perception (44%). The psychological theme frequencies from highest to lowest were psychological consequences (100%), coping strategies (100%), mindset (67%), expectations from health care professionals (44%), and gender influence (22%). In the social theme, frequencies from highest to lowest were social relationships (56%), work, and activities of daily living and physical activity (44%, respectively). Conclusion An individual's experience with neck pain is a multidimensional phenomenon in which physical, psychological, and social dimensions influence each other. These findings suggested that health care professionals should be aware of recognizing and evaluating all of the individual's experiences to offer a truly patient-centered care pathway. Impact This qualitative meta-synthesis responded to a call to action to explore perspectives and experiences of individuals with neck pain. These findings can provide crucial guidance for clinicians as they plan and implement evidence-based recommendations for neck pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Les symptômes de neuropathie ont une forte prévalence dans notre cohorte de patients atteints de fibromyalgie. • Peu d'examens diagnostiques visant à confirmer une atteinte des petites fibres ont été rapportés. • La détection de symptômes de neuropathie pourrait faciliter la prise en charge thérapeutique pour les cliniciens. Selon des études récentes, environ 50 % des patients atteints de fibromyalgie (FM) présentent une neuropathie des petites et/ou des grosses fibres qui pourrait expliquer en partie les symptômes déroutants de la fibromyalgie. Notre objectif était d'estimer la prévalence des douleurs neuropathiques et des symptômes de neuropathie des petites fibres (SNPF) rapportés par les patients fibromyalgiques, indiquant la présence d'une pathologie des petites fibres. Un échantillon de patients a été recruté à l'échelle nationale pour participer à une enquête en ligne. Deux groupes ont été constitués pour l'analyse post hoc : les patients positifs selon les critères FRC (Fibromyalgia Research Criteria) (FM+) et ceux présentant des symptômes caractéristiques de fibromyalgie mais ne remplissant pas les critères FRC (FM−). Nous avons collecté les données de 854 patients (749 FM+ et 105 FM−). Parmi eux, 57,3 % (62,4 % dans le groupe FM+ et 21,0 % dans le groupe FM−) avaient un score ≥ 50/100 au questionnaire NPSI (Neuropathic Pain Symptoms Inventory), témoignant de douleurs neuropathiques sévères. Environ 46 % des patients présentaient au moins trois SNPF pouvant indiquer une pathologie des petites fibres, les plus fréquents étant une sécheresse oculaire/buccale, une allodynie et une dyshidrose. Le score NPSI a été associé de façon modérée ou forte avec le handicap (ρ de Spearman = 0,61), la douleur (ρ = 0,66), le degré de raideur (ρ = 0,46), le nombre de sites douloureux (ρ = 0,40) et les SNPF (ρ = 0,44). Malgré la prévalence élevée des douleurs neuropathiques et d'autres symptômes suggérant une pathologie des petites et/ou des grosses fibres, des examens neurophysiologiques n'ont été réalisés que dans 43,6 % des cas et une biopsie cutanée à l'emporte-pièce uniquement chez 1,9 % des patients inclus. La prise d'antidouleurs neuropathiques était également limitée (13,2 %). Nos observations montrent une forte prévalence estimée des douleurs neuropathiques et des SNPF chez les patients atteints de FM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After an initial ankle sprain, a relevant number of participants develop chronic ankle instability (CAI). Compensatory strategies in patients with CAI may change the inter-limb symmetry needed for absorbing movement-related forces. Accordingly, an increased risk of injury can occur. The present study aimed to compare the inter-limb asymmetry of kinetic and electromyography between individuals with CAI and without a history of an ankle sprain (Non-CAI) during walking. In this cross-sectional study, fifty-six athletes (28 CAI; 28 Non-CAI) participated. Participants walked at a comfortable pace over level ground while vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) and muscle activity of the tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, medial gastrocnemius, and gluteus medius were recorded. Inter-limb asymmetry during walking was calculated for each of the variables. Patients with CAI exhibited a greater inter-limb asymmetry of the first peak of vGRF, time to peak vGRF, and loading rate (P < 0.001), as well as presenting a greater inter-limb asymmetry of peroneus longus activity (contact phase) (P = 0.003) and gluteus medius activity (midstance/propulsion phase) (P = 0.010) compared to the Non-CAI group. No other differences in vGRF or muscles activity were observed between the groups. Our findings indicate that patients with CAI walk with greater inter-limb asymmetry in vGRF and muscle activity in different phases of the gait cycle compared to Non-CAI group. Our results could inform future studies on gait training aimed to reduce asymmetry during walking in patients with CAI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Experimental and numerical analyses of laboratory-type composite solid rocket propellants based on α-AlH3 are presented. Chemical and physical properties of this innovative energetic ingredient are discussed, ballistic properties experimentally evaluated, and flame structure compared with the corresponding aluminized propellants. Numerical 2D and 3D simulations of the subsequent two-phase flow in supersonic nozzles are reported. The obtained results overall disclose a competitive performance of α-alane-based propellants with respect to aluminized propellants and encourage its use in space applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: Recent studies have highlighted that about 50% of fibromyalgic patients has a neuropathy of small- and/or large-fibers which could partially explain the puzzling symptoms of fibromyalgia (FM). Our aim was to investigate the estimated prevalence of self-reported neuropathic pain and small-fiber neuropathic symptoms (SFNS) indicative for the presence of small-fiber pathology in FM patients.Methods: A nationwide sample of patients was recruited to participate in an on-line survey. Two groups of patients were considered in post-hoc analysis: those positive (FM+) to the Fibromyalgia Research Criteria (FRC) and those complaining typical symptoms of fibromyalgia without fulfilling the FRC (FM-).Results: We collected data from 854 patients (749 FM+ and 105 FM-). Patients that scored=50/100 at the Neuropathic Pain Symptoms Inventory (NPSI), indicating severe neuropathic pain, were 57.3% (62.4% in FM+ and 21.0% in FM-). Around 46% of patients presented three or more SFNS that could be suggestive of small fiber pathology, the most frequent being dry eyes/mouth, allodynia, and dyshidrosis. The NPSI score showed significant moderate/strong associations with disability (Spearman's rho=0.61), pain (rho=0.66), stiffness level (rho=0.46), number of painful sites (rho=0.40), and SFNS (rho=0.44). Despite the high prevalence of neuropathic pain and other symptoms attributable to potential small and/or large fibers pathology, neurophysiologic investigations were performed in 43.6% of cases and skin punch biopsy only in 1.9% of patients enrolled, as well as the assumption of anti-neuropathic pain drugs (13.2%).Conclusions: Our findings underscore the high estimated prevalence of neuropathic pain and SFNS in FM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mice bearing Leishmania (L) amazonensis infection and treated with Antimonium crudum (AC) 30cH presented significant reduction of the monocyte migration to the site of infection with clinical improvement. In vitro, the treatment of infected macrophages with AC 30cH produced inhibition of the parasite-induced peaks of CCL2 (a chemokine for monocytes migration) and inhibition of lysosome activity, explaining the results obtained previously in vivo. In the following studies, physical-chemical parameters of the remedy and respective controls were evaluated, to search for a correlation with the former described biological effects. The study of polarity changes in different water-based dilutions of AC using Cartwright's method, revealed dilution-dependent variations in the absorbance of three solvatochromic dyes ET 33, BDN and methylene Violet (MV), used as "probes" to evaluate the dipole features of the medicine. The electrical activity of the homeopathic preparations appears to be dilution-dependent and related to their biological effects. Further experiments were performed using samples of the supernatant of infected macrophages after 96 hours of incubation with AC in different dilutions. These samples were processed using the same procedures as used for the original medicines and were analyzed by MV method. All tested potencies presented a sharp increase of absorbance at 580 nm, in relation to all controls (supernatant from untreated cells and cells treated with succussed water), as performed by one-way ANOVA, being F = 176.208; p = 0.001 and X2 = 0.988. This results strongly suggest that biological systems could amplify the electric signal and the following changes in the medium polarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]