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Abstract Background Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are emerging educational tools for students in healthcare science. However, assessing their accuracy is essential prior to adoption in educational settings. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of predicting the correct answers from three AI chatbots (ChatGPT-4, Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini) in the Italian entrance standardized examination test of healthcare science degrees (CINECA test). Secondarily, we assessed the narrative coherence of the AI chatbots’ responses (i.e., text output) based on three qualitative metrics: the logical rationale behind the chosen answer, the presence of information internal to the question, and presence of information external to the question. Methods An observational cross-sectional design was performed in September of 2023. Accuracy of the three chatbots was evaluated for the CINECA test, where questions were formatted using a multiple-choice structure with a single best answer. The outcome is binary (correct or incorrect). Chi-squared test and a post hoc analysis with Bonferroni correction assessed differences among chatbots performance in accuracy. A p-value of

Abstract Background Musculoskeletal conditions are the leading contributor to global disability and health burden. Manual therapy (MT) interventions are commonly recommended in clinical guidelines and used in the management of musculoskeletal conditions. Traditional systems of manual therapy (TMT), including physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, and soft tissue therapy have been built on principles such as clinician-centred assessment, patho-anatomical reasoning, and technique specificity. These historical principles are not supported by current evidence. However, data from clinical trials support the clinical and cost effectiveness of manual therapy as an intervention for musculoskeletal conditions, when used as part of a package of care. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a modern evidence-guided framework for the teaching and practice of MT which avoids reference to and reliance on the outdated principles of TMT. This framework is based on three fundamental humanistic dimensions common in all aspects of healthcare: safety, comfort, and efficiency. These practical elements are contextualised by positive communication, a collaborative context, and person-centred care. The framework facilitates best-practice, reasoning, and communication and is exemplified here with two case studies. Methods A literature review stimulated by a new method of teaching manual therapy, reflecting contemporary evidence, being trialled at a United Kingdom education institute. A group of experienced, internationally-based academics, clinicians, and researchers from across the spectrum of manual therapy was convened. Perspectives were elicited through reviews of contemporary literature and discussions in an iterative process. Public presentations were made to multidisciplinary groups and feedback was incorporated. Consensus was achieved through repeated discussion of relevant elements. Conclusions Manual therapy interventions should include both passive and active, person-empowering interventions such as exercise, education, and lifestyle adaptations. These should be delivered in a contextualised healing environment with a well-developed person-practitioner therapeutic alliance. Teaching manual therapy should follow this model.

Abstract Background Several systematic reviews (SRs), with and without meta-analyses, have investigated the use of wearable devices to improve physical activity, and there is a need for frequent and updated syntheses on the topic. Objective We aimed to evaluate whether using wearable devices increased physical activity and reduced sedentary behaviour in adults. Methods We conducted an umbrella review searching PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Cochrane Library, MedRxiv, Rxiv and bioRxiv databases up to February 5th, 2023. We included all SRs that evaluated the efficacy of interventions when wearable devices were used to measure physical activity in adults aged over 18 years. The primary outcomes were physical activity and sedentary behaviour measured as the number of steps per day, minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week, and minutes of sedentary behaviour (SB) per day. We assessed the methodological quality of each SR using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews, version 2 (AMSTAR 2) and the certainty of evidence of each outcome measure using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations). We interpreted the results using a decision-making framework examining the clinical relevance and the concordances or discordances of the SR effect size. Results Fifty-one SRs were included, of which 38 included meta-analyses (302 unique primary studies). Of the included SRs, 72.5% were rated as ‘critically low methodological quality’. Overall, with a slight overlap of primary studies (corrected cover area: 3.87% for steps per day, 3.12% for MVPA, 4.06% for SB) and low-to-moderate certainty of the evidence, the use of WDs may increase PA by a median of 1,312.23 (IQR 627–1854) steps per day and 57.8 (IQR 37.7 to 107.3) minutes per week of MVPA. Uncertainty is present for PA in pathologies and older adults subgroups and for SB in mixed and older adults subgroups (large confidence intervals). Conclusions Our findings suggest that the use of WDs may increase physical activity in middle-aged adults. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of using WDs on specific subgroups (such as pathologies and older adults) in different follow-up lengths, and the role of other intervention components.

Background:. Due to variations in perforator vasculature, deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap preoperative imaging can minimize operative time required to locate the most suitable perforators. Dedicated computed tomography angiography (CTA) has been the gold standard; however, many patients have already undergone a staging computed tomography (CT) per oncologic workup. The benefits from CTA may also be realized with a staging CT or CT with IV contrast. Methods:. Ten patients who underwent DIEP flap reconstruction with staging CT and CTA within 3 years of one another were included in this study. Reviewers evaluated axial views of both imaging modalities separately to identify each visible perforator in reference to the pubic symphysis from the xiphoid to the pubic symphysis. An intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine agreement in location of perforators between the two imaging studies. Statistical analysis was performed using an ICC and Wilcoxon signed rank-tests. Results:. The identified perforators within the patient cohort had an excellent correlation between their location on CT and CTA based upon ICC. The mean number of perforators identified in the CT group was 15.3 (SD 4.9) and in the CTA group was 18.8 (SD 6.4), which was not statistically different (P = 0.247). Conclusions:. CT has similar efficacy in identifying number of perforators and perforator location to dedicated CTA for preoperative planning in DIEP flaps. This has the potential for decreased patient contrast and ionizing radiation exposure as well as improved patient and healthcare resource utilization.

Background: Psychological distress has been associated with declining shoulder function in patients with rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Thus, we aimed to 1) evaluate the absence or presence of differences in shoulder pain, function, or pain-associated psychological distress in patients with increasing RCT severity and 2) assess whether psychological distress is associated with shoulder pain and function while adjusting for RCT severity. Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent rotator cuff repair and completed the optimal screening for prediction of referral and outcome (OSPRO) survey from 2019 to 2021 were included. OSPRO is composed of 3 domains that estimate pain associated psychological distress (negative mood, negative coping, and positive coping). Demographics, tear characteristics, and three patient reported outcomes (PRO), including the visual analog scale (VAS), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) were collected. Patients were analyzed with analysis of variance and chi-square tests and stratified based on severity of RCTs into three groups: partial-thickness, small-to-medium full-thickness, and large-to-massive full-thickness tear. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between OSPRO scores and PROs, adjusting for severity of RCT. Results: Eighty-four patients were included: 33 (39%) had partial-thickness, 17 (20%) had small-to-medium full-thickness, and 34 (41%) had large-to-massive tears. Regarding PROs and psychological distress, there were no significant differences amongst the three cohorts. In contrast, multiple significant associations between psychological distress and PROs were found. Within the negative coping domain, fear avoidance dimensions demonstrated the strongest correlation to PROs: fear-avoidance behavior for physical activity (ASES Beta −0.592, P

Purpose Orthopedic manual therapy (OMT) education demonstrates significant variability between philosophies and while literature has offered a more comprehensive understanding of the contextual, patient specific, and technique factors which interact to influence outcome, most OMT training paradigms continue to emphasize the mechanical basis for OMT application. The purpose of this study was to establish consensus on modifications & adaptions to training paradigms which need to occur within OMT education to align with current evidence. Methods A 3-round Delphi survey instrument designed to identify foundational knowledge to include and omit from OMT education was completed by 28 educators working within high level manual therapy education programs internationally. Round 1 consisted of open-ended questions to identify content in each area. Round 2 and Round 3 allowed participants to rank the themes identified in Round 1. Results Consensus was reached on 25 content areas to include within OMT education, 1 content area to omit from OMT education, and 34 knowledge components which should be present in those providing OMT. Support was seen for education promoting understanding the complex psychological, neurophysiological, and biomechanical systems as they relate to both evaluation and treatment effect. While some concepts were more consistently supported there was significant variability in responses which is largely expected to be related to previous training. Conclusion The results of this study indicate manual therapy educators understanding of evidence-based practice as support for all 3 tiers of evidence were represented. The results of this study should guide OMT training program development and modification.

Abstract Background Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has emerged as a successful surgery with expanding indications. Outcomes may be influenced by post-operative rehabilitation; however, there is a dearth of research regarding optimal rehabilitation strategy following RTSA. The primary purpose of this study is to compare patient reported and clinical outcomes after RTSA in two groups: in one group rehabilitation is directed by formal, outpatient clinic-based physical therapists (PT group) as compared to a home therapy group, in which patients are instructed in their rehabilitative exercises by surgeons at post-operative appointments (HT group). Secondary aims include comparisons of complications, cost of care and quality of life between the two groups. Methods This randomised controlled trial has commenced at seven sites across the United States. Data is being collected on 200 subjects by clinical research assistants pre-operatively and post-operatively at 2, 6, and 12 weeks, 6 months, 1 and 2 year visits. The following variables are being assessed: American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), pain level using the numeric pain scale, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, and shoulder active and passive range of motion for analysis of the primary aim. Chi square and t-tests will be used to measure differences in baseline characteristics of both groups. Repeated measures linear mixed effects modeling for measurement of differences will be used for outcomes associated with ASES and SANE and scores, and range of motion measures. Secondary aims will be analyzed for comparison of complications, cost, and quality of life assessment scores using data obtained from the PROMIS 29 v. 2, questionnaires administered at standard of care post-operative visits, and the electronic health record. Subjects will be allowed to crossover between the PT and HT groups, and analysis will include both intention-to-treat including patients who crossed over, and a second with cross-over patients removed, truncated to the time they crossed over. Discussion RTSA is being performed with increasing frequency, and the optimal rehabilitation strategy is unclear. This study will help clarify the role of formal physical therapy with particular consideration to outcomes, cost, and complications. In addition, this study will evaluate a proposed rehabilitation strategy. Trial registration This study is registered as NCT03719859 at ClincialTrials.gov .

Abstract Background Despite similar outcomes for surgery and conservative care, the number of surgeries to treat rotator cuff related shoulder pain has increased. Interventions designed to enhance treatment expectations for conservative care have been shown to improve patient expectations, but no studies have yet explored whether such interventions influence patient decisions to pursue surgery. The purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to examine the effect of an intervention designed to improve expectations of conservative care on the decision to have surgery. Methods We will test the effectiveness of the Patient Engagement, Education, and Restructuring of Cognitions (PEERC) intervention which is intended to change expectations regarding conservative care. The PEERC intervention will be evaluated in a randomized, pragmatic “add-on” trial, to better understand the effect the intervention has on outcomes. Ninety-four (94) participants with rotator cuff related shoulder pain referred for physical therapy will be randomized to receive either impairment-based care or impairment-based care plus PEERC. Both groups will receive impairment-based conservative treatment created by compiling the evidence associated with established, effective interventions. Participants assigned to the impairment-based care plus PEERC condition will also receive the PEERC intervention. This intervention, informed by principles of cognitive behavioral therapy, involves three components: (1) strategies to enhance engagement, (2) education and (3) cognitive restructuring and behavioral activation. Outcomes will be assessed at multiple points between enrolment and six months after discharge. The primary outcome is patient reported decision to have surgery and the secondary outcomes are pain, function, expectations and satisfaction with conservative care. Discussion Rotator cuff related shoulder pain is highly prevalent, and because conservative and surgical treatments have similar outcomes, an intervention that changes expectations about conservative care could alter patient reports of their decision to have surgery and ultimately could lead to lower healthcare costs and decreased risk of surgical complications. Trial registration This study is registered as NCT03353272 at ClincialTrials.gov.

Abstract Background Postpartum runners report musculoskeletal pain with running. Because of inadequate research, little is known about the origin and pain-related classification. Through expert consensus, this study is the first attempt to understand the musculoskeletal impairments that these runners present with. The objective of this survey was to gather expert consensus on characteristics of reported impairments in postpartum runners that have musculoskeletal pain. Methods A web-based Delphi survey was conducted and was composed of five categories: strength, range of motion, alignment and flexibility impairments, as well as risk factors for pain in postpartum runners. Results A total of 117 experts were invited. Forty-five experts completed round I and forty-one completed rounds II and III. The strength impairments that reached consensus were abdominal, hip and pelvic floor muscle weakness. The range of motion impairments that reached consensus were hip extension restriction, anterior pelvic tilt and general hypermobility. The alignment impairments that reached consensus were a Trendelenburg sign, dynamic knee valgus, lumbar lordosis, over-pronation and thoracic kyphosis. The flexibility impairments that reached consensus were abdominal wall laxity, and tightness in hip flexors, lumbar extensors, iliotibial band and hamstrings. The risk factors for pain in postpartum runners were muscular imbalance, poor lumbopelvic control, too much too soon, life stressors, pain during pregnancy and pelvic floor trauma. Conclusion This study presents a framework for clinicians to understand pain in postpartum runners and that can be investigated in future cohort studies. Level of evidence 5

Abstract Objectives This overview of reviews aimed to identify (1) aspects of the patient experience when seeking care for musculoskeletal disorders from healthcare providers and the healthcare system, and (2) which mechanisms are used to measure aspects of the patient experience. Data sources Four databases were searched from inception to December 20th, 2019. Review methods Systematic or scoping reviews examining patient experience in seeking care for musculoskeletal from healthcare providers and the healthcare system were included. Independent authors screened and selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality of the reviews. Patient experience concepts were compiled into five themes from a perspective of a) relational and b) functional aspects. A list of mechanisms used to capture the patient experience was also collected. Results Thirty reviews were included (18 systematic and 12 scoping reviews). Relational aspects were reported in 29 reviews and functional aspects in 25 reviews. For relational aspects, the most prevalent themes were “information needs” (education and explanation on diseases, symptoms, and self-management strategies) and “understanding patient expectations” (respect and empathy). For functional aspects, the most prevalent themes were patient’s “physical and environmental needs,” (cleanliness, safety, and accessibility of clinics), and “trusted expertise,” (healthcare providers’ competence and clinical skills to provide holistic care). Interviews were the most frequent mechanism identified to collect patient experience. Conclusions Measuring patient experience provides direct insights about the patient’s perspectives and may help to promote better patient-centered health services and increase the quality of care. Areas of improvement identified were interpersonal skills of healthcare providers and logistics of health delivery, which may lead to a more desirable patient-perceived experience and thus better overall healthcare outcomes. Trial registration Systematic review registration: PROSPERO ( CRD42019136500 ).

Abstract Background Injury is common in running and seen to impact up to 94% of recreational runners. Clinicians often use alterations from normal musculoskeletal clinical assessments to assess for risk of injury, but it is unclear if these assessments are associated with future injury. Objectives To identify alterations in muscle strength, flexibility, range of motion, and alignment that may predict lower extremity injury in runners. Methods Articles were selected following a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus from database inception to May 2018. Included articles were prospective cohort studies, which specifically analyzed musculoskeletal impairments associated with future running-related injury. Two authors extracted study data, assessed the methodological quality of each study using the Critical Appraisal Tool and assessed the overall quality using the GRADE approach. Results Seven articles met the inclusion criteria. There was very low quality of evidence for the 7 identified clinical assessment alteration categories. Strong hip abductors were significantly associated with running-related injury in one study. Increased hip external-to-internal rotation strength and decreased hip internal range of motion were protective for running injury, each in one study. Decreased navicular drop in females had a protective effect for running-related injury in one study. Conclusions Due to very low quality of evidence for each assessment, confounders present within the studies, a limited number of studies, different measurement methods among studies, measurement variability within clinical assessments, inconsistent definitions of injury and runner, different statistical modeling, and study bias, caution is suggested in interpreting these results.

Table of contents S1 Criteria for exercises selection in subjects with low back pain Alessandro Aina S2 Recent advances in pathophysiology and treatment of myofascial trigger points Marco Barbero S3 Rehabilitation of scapular dyskinesia Barbara Cagnie S4 Musculoskeletal rehabilitation in subjects affected by neurological disorders Elena Castelli S5 Which examination tests suggest the best candidates for manual therapy Chad Cook S6 Case study: the role of the measurements for the identification of targets and guidance of the treatment Silvano Ferrari S7 Assessment of joint mobility: state of the art Andrea Foglia, Paolo Bizzarri S8 Core stabilization exercises in the treatment of urinary incontinence Donatella Giraudo S9 Preventing surgical subacromial decompression through rotator cuff rehabilitation Chris Littlewood S10 Methodological aspects of Clinical Prediction Rules in the rehabilitation of Low Back Pain Paolo Pillastrini S11 Interpretability of outcome measures in musculoskeletal rehabilitation Daniele Piscitelli S12 Conservative treatment of the misalignment of the spine: state of the art and perspectives Michele Romano S13 Balance training in subjects with musculoskeletal disorders Andrea Tettamanti S14 Dosage of manual therapy: principles for clinical practice Carla Vanti S15 Are there speed limits in post-surgery lower limb rehabilitation? Stefano Vercelli S16 Classification of predominant neuropathic, nociceptive or central sensation pain Lennard Voogt P1 A wearable proprioceptive stabilizer (Equistasi®) for rehabilitation of balance disorders in multiple sclerosis patients: preliminary results of a randomized, double-blind, versus placebo controlled study Aceto Maria, Spina Emanuele, Paone Paolo, Silvestre Francesco, Carotenuto Antonio, Cerillo Ilaria, Orefice Giuseppe P2 Effect of repeated neck retraction movements on strength and EMG activity of the upper limbs, range of motion and cervical posture Bassi Raffaele, Fiorito Serena, Aina Alessandro P3 Hamstring injuries: clinical assessment or image evaluation? Bonfanti M., Pasquetti M. P4 Effectiveness of the physical therapy treatment on pelvic floor muscles in pelvic girdle pain. A literature review Bortolami Arianna, Pillastrini Paolo, Vanti Carla P5 Scapulo-humeral muscles electromiographic activity during the elevation movement of the upper limb in subjects with rotator cuff lesion Brioschi D, Vitali M, Pedretti A, Fraschini G, Tettamanti A P6 Mechanical low back pain: secular trend and intervention topics of randomized controlled trials Castellini G, Gianola S, Bonovas S, Banfi G, Moja L P7 Quality of reporting in rehabilitation interventions for low back pain: a review of published randomised controlled trials Greta Castellini, Silvia Gianola, Pamela Frigerio, Michela Agostini, Rosa Bolotta, Davide Corbetta, Monica Gasparini, Paolo Gozzer, Erica Guariento, Linda Li, Valentina Pecoraro, Valeria Sirtori, Andrea Turolla, Andreano A, Lorenzo Moja P8 Power analysis and sample size reporting in rehabilitation of low back pain: review of randomized controlled trials included in Cochrane systematic review Castellini G, Gianola S, Bonovas S, Moja L P9 A core outcome set for clinical trials in non-specific low back pain Alessandro Chiarotto, Caroline B. Terwee, Maarten Boers, Raymond W. Ostelo P10 Roland & Morris Disability Questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index: which has better measurement properties? A systematic review and meta-analysis Alessandro Chiarotto, Lara J. Maxwell, Caroline B. Terwee, George A. Wells, Peter Tugwell, Raymond W. Ostelo P11 Prevalence of myofascial trigger points in spinal pain disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis Alessandro Chiarotto, Ron Clijsen, Cesar Fernandez-de-las-Penas, Marco Barbero P12 Post-surgical scar rating scales in physiotherapy: a systematic review Ciceri Matteo, Rossetti Sara, Vercelli Stefano P13 Efficacy of action observation pre-operative training in functional recovery after hip and knee prosthesis Cislaghi M, Penone G, Marinelli G, Rezzan G, Melegati G, Gatti R P14 The use of Kinesio Taping in the treatment of hematomas: can we distinguish fancy from the effects? Colombo Claudio, Tolosa Francesca, Andrea Moriondo, Vercelli Stefano P15 Who is able to perform explicit motor imagery after stroke? Stefano Doronzio, Matteo Paci P16 Responsiveness of the Bridge tests in Symptomatic Lumbar Spondylolisthesis Silvano Ferrari, Carla Vanti, Marco Monticone P17 The relationship between number of sessions and clinical results in lumbar symptomatic spondylolisthesis Silvano Ferrari, Carla Vanti, Marco Monticone P18 Conservative treatments for upper extremity tendinopathies in occupational medicine: narrative review Garzonio Fabiola, Zanetta Anna, Bargeri Serena, Cerone Giorgia, Sartorio Francesco P19 The time-related effect of roller-massager on extensibility of the hamstring muscles Filippo Ghirlanda, Alessandro Schneebeli, Corrado Cescon, Marco Barbero P20 Effect of two different exercise programs on pain, disability and quality of life in people with subacute and chronic nonspecific neck pain Gioia G, Faccendini S, Aina A, Tettamanti A P21 A bridge between clinical practice and research: how health professionals can study literature and learn on the job Granzotto G, Coppola L, Gava I, Frassinelli M, Gattinoni F P22 Walking capacity improves after neuromotor physiotherapy in stroke patients Lorenzo Guidotti, Marco Postiglione, Bruna Lombardi, Matteo Paci P23 Intra and inter-session reliability of the angle between pain onset and submaximal pain during upper limb neurodynamics test 1: a study in healty individuals Diego Leoni, Davide Storer, Roberto Gatti, Michele Egloff, Marco Barbero P24 Effects of an AO-MI training on balance task in patients affected by multiple sclerosis Magno Tiziano, Tettamanti Andrea P25 Outcomes of treatment with neuromuscular stimulator for chronic anterior knee pain: a clinical case Daniele Maremmani, Sebastiano Cencini, Giuseppe Plebani P26 Consistency in locating pressure stimuli over the lumbar spine on a digital body chart: a comparison between chronic low back pain patients and healthy subjects Federica Moresi, Marco Barbero, Matteo Isnardi, Alberto Gallace, Corrado Cescon, Roberto Gatti P27 Malignant Cord Compression in the thoraco-lumbar spine. Early signs and symptoms in the differential diagnosis of low back pain Moretti N, Maselli, Testa M. P28 End growth results of exercise treatment to avoid bracing in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis: a prospective cohort controlled study Stefano Negrini, Sabrina Donzelli, Francesco Saveri, Alessandra Negrini, Silvana Parzini, Michele Romano, Fabio Zaina P29 Reliability of the Ashworth scale and its modified versions: systematic review and meta-analysis Leonardo Nesi, Francesco Ferrarello, Valeria Anna Maria Bianchi, Matteo Paci P30 Differences in motor recovery between upper and lower limbs in stroke subtypes Matteo Paci, Luca Nannetti, Bruna Lombardi P31 Influence of clinical experience on the reliability of the Salford Gait Tool Giuditta Mini, Mariangela Marchettini, Francesco Ferrarello, Matteo Paci P32 A somatosensory discrimination training induces brain functional changes in healthy young subjects Fabio Piccolo, Federica Agosta, Elisabetta Sarasso, Paola Adamo, Federico Temporiti, Andrea Falini, Roberto Gatti, Massimo Filippi P33 Effects of dynamic tilt-table with integrated robotic stepping associated with functional electrical stimulation: a cross-over study Daniele Piscitelli, Roberto Meroni, Leonardo Pellicciari, Marco A. Mondelli, Thomas Favaron, Cesare G. Cerri, Enrico A. Tallarita P34 Manual therapy techniques in the treatment of whiplash and its associated disorders: a systematic review Ravizzotti Elisa, Vercelli Stefano P35 The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) as a screening tool for early detection of pathologic post-surgical scars in physiotherapy Rossetti Sara, Ciceri Matteo, Vercelli Stefano P36 The anatomical basis of genetic dystonia: a multimodal MRI study Elisabetta Sarasso, Federica Agosta, Aleksandra Tomić, Silvia Basaia, Nataša Dragašević, Marina Svetel, Massimiliano Copetti, Vladimir S. Kostic, Massimo Filippi P37 The relative inclination of the end vertebrae of a scoliotic single curve can influence the results of the conservative treatment? A pilot study Francesco Saveri, Michele Romano, Matteo Mastrantonio, Alessandra Negrini, Fabio Zaina, Negrini Stefano P38 Physiotherapy for myofascial pain syndromes: reported methodological quality of randomized controlled trials indexed in the PEDro database Alessandro Schneebeli, Greta Castellini, Valentina Redaelli, Emiliano Soldini, Marco Barbero P39 Is the patellar pubic percussion test useful to diagnose only femur fractures or something else? Two case reports Segat M, Casonato O, Margelli M, Pillon S. P40 Effectiveness of new rehab method for MDI Spunton V, Fenini R, Garofalo R, Conti M P41 Toe walking and autism: cross-sectional study on clinical presentation patterns and correlation with language delay Valagussa G, Balatti V, Trentin L, Melli S, Norsi M, and Grossi E P42 Active Kyphosis Value (AKV): a new test for the evaluation of the kyphotisation mobility of the thoracic spine Massimiliano Vanossi, Francesco Saveri, Michele Romano P43 Pain Drawing and psychological distress in low back pain - systematic review and meta-analysis Carla Vanti, Sara Taioli, Ivan Gardenghi, Lucia Bertozzi, Anna Rosso, Antonio Romeo, Paolo Pillastrini P44 Responsiveness of the Oswestry Disability Index in symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis Carla Vanti, Silvano Ferrari, Martina Ruggeri, Marco Monticone P45 The relationship between instability tests, pain and disability in non-specific low back pain Carla Vanti, Bellini Filippo, Cristina Conti, Federica Faresin, Martina Ruggeri, Raffaella Piccarreta, Silvano Ferrari P46 Smartphone applications (apps) for physical therapists: a review Villanova Luca, Vercelli Stefano P47 A randomized controlled pilot trial of hand robotic training compared with a sensory-motor training program in post stroke patients Violini Claudia, Cenci Marco Joseph, Delconte Carmen, Pisano Fabrizio P48 Critical Illness PolyNeuroMyopathy (CIPNM): chance for a good prognosis Youssef S, Montesano M, Picardi M, De Giampaulis P, Corbo M, Pisani L. P49 The EdUReP approach plus manual therapy for the management of insertional Achilles tendinopathy: a case study Zanetta Anna, Garzonio Fabiola, Ruella Carolina, Sartorio Francesco

Purpose The primary aim of this study was to develop a survey addressing an individual’s non-cognitive traits, such as emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, social intelligence, psychological flexibility, and grit. Such a tool would provide beneficial information for the continued development of admissions standards and would help better capture the full breadth of experience and capabilities of applicants applying to doctor of physical therapy (DPT) programs. Methods This was a cross-sectional survey study involving learners in DPT programs at 3 academic institutions in the United States. A survey was developed based on established non-proprietary, non-cognitive measures affiliated with success and resilience. The survey was assessed for face validity, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to identify subgroups of factors based on responses to the items. Results A total of 298 participants (90.3%) completed all elements of the survey. EFA yielded 39 items for dimensional assessment with regression coefficients < 0.4. Within the 39 items, 3 latent constructs were identified: adaptability (16 items), intuitiveness (12 items), and engagement (11 items). Conclusion This preliminary non-cognitive assessment survey will be able to play a valuable role in DPT admissions decisions following further examination and refinement.

BACKGROUND:The global burden of low back pain is growing rapidly, accompanied by increasing rates of associated healthcare utilization. Health seeking behavior (HSB) has been suggested as a mediator of healthcare utilization. The aims of this study were to: 1) develop a proxy HSB measure based on healthcare consumption patterns prior to initial consultation for spinal pain, and 2) examine associations between the proxy HSB measure and future healthcare utilization in a population of patients with spine disorders. METHODS:A cohort of 1,691 patients seeking care for spinal pain at a single military hospital were included. Cluster analyses were performed for the identification of a proxy HSB measure. Logistic regression was used to identify the predictive capacity of HSB on eight different general and spine-related high healthcare utilization (upper 25%) outcomes variables. RESULTS:The strongest proxy measure of HSB was prior primary care provider visits. In unadjusted models, HSB predicted healthcare utilization across all eight general and spine-related outcome variables. After adjusting for covariates, HSB still predicted general and spine-related healthcare utilization for most variables including total medical visits (OR = 2.48, 95%CI 1.09,3.11), total medical costs (OR = 2.72, 95%CI 2.16,3.41), and low back pain-specific costs (OR = 1.31, 95%CI 1.00,1.70). CONCLUSION:Health seeking behavior prior to initial consultation for spine pain was related to healthcare utilization after consultation for spine pain. HSB may be an important variable to consider when developing an individualized care plan and considering the prognosis of a patient.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the modifiable programmatic characteristics reflected in the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) Annual Accreditation Report for all accredited programs that reported pass rates on the National Physical Therapist Examination, and to build a predictive model for first-time and three-year ultimate pass rates. Methods: This observational study analyzed programmatic information from the 185 CAPTE-accredited physical therapy programs in the United States and Puerto Rico out of a total of 193 programs that provided the first-time and three-year ultimate pass rates in 2011. Fourteen predictive variables representing student selection and composition, clinical education length and design, and general program length and design were analyzed against first-time pass rates and ultimate pass rates on the NPTE. Univariate and multivariate multinomial regression analysis for first-time pass rates and logistic regression analysis for three-year ultimate pass rates were performed. Results: The variables associated with the first-time pass rate in the multivariate analysis were the mean undergraduate grade point average (GPA) and the average age of the cohort. Multivariate analysis showed that mean undergraduate GPA was associated with the three-year ultimate pass rate. Conclusions: Mean undergraduate GPA was found to be the only modifiable predictor for both first-time and three-year pass rates among CAPTE-accredited physical therapy programs.