Low back pain is a significant health problem condition due to high prevalence among the general population. Emotions and physical factors are believed to play a role in chronic low back pain. Kinesiophobia is one of the most extreme forms of fear of pain due to movement or re-injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between kinesiophobia and pain intensity, disability and quality of life in people with chronic low back pain. The study included 132 individuals with chronic back pain, with ages between 18 and 65 years old. Kinesiophobia was assessed using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, pain intensity was measured using the Numeric Rating Scale with a cut-off more than 3 for inclusion in the study, disability was assessed using the Roland Morris questionnaire, quality of pain was assessed using the McGill questionnaire, and quality of life was assessed using the Quality of Life questionnaire SF-36. The results are statistically significant, but with weak associations were found between kinesiophobia and pain intensity (r = 0.187), quality of pain (sensory, r = 0.266; affective, r = − 0.174; and total r = 0.275), disability (r = 0.399) and physical quality of life (emotional r = − 0.414). Kinesiophobia is an important outcome to assess in patients with chronic low back pain. The results suggest that correlations between kinesiophobia and disability and quality of life are statistically significant.

To investigate the relationship between the q-angle and anterior knee pain severity, functional capacity, dynamic knee valgus and hip abductor torque in women with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). This study included 22 women with PFPS. The q-angle was assessed using goniometry: the participants were positioned in dorsal decubitus with the knee and hip extended, and the hip and foot in neutral rotation. Anterior knee pain severity was assessed using a visual analog scale, and functional capacity was assessed using the anterior knee pain scale. Dynamic valgus was evaluated using the frontal plane projection angle (FPPA) of the knee, which was recorded using a digital camera during step down, and hip abductor peak torque was recorded using a handheld dynamometer. The q-angle did not present any significant correlation with severity of knee pain (r = -0.29; p = 0.19), functional capacity (r = -0.08; p = 0.72), FPPA (r = -0.28; p = 0.19) or isometric peak torque of the abductor muscles (r = -0.21; p = 0.35). The q-angle did not present any relationship with pain intensity, functional capacity, FPPA, or hip abductor peak torque in the patients with PFPS.

BACKGROUND: It is theorized that increased dynamic knee valgus relates to decreased hip posterolateral muscle strength. It is theorized that increased dynamic knee valgus relates to decreased hip posterolateral muscle strength. OBJECTIVE: The aim her

The purpose of this study was to compare transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and stabilization exercises in an attempt to prevent fatigue and improve muscle activation in patients with lumbar disk herniation associated with low back pain. This study involved 29 patients (age range 25-58 years) randomized into 2 groups: the segmental stabilization group (n = 15), who received stabilization exercises on the transversus abdominis (TrA) and lumbar multifidus muscles; and the TENS group (n = 14), who received electrotherapy. Groups underwent 16 sessions, for 60 minutes, twice per week, and they were evaluated before and after intervention. Pain was measured using a visual analog scale, functional disability using the Oswestry Disability Index, muscle activation and fatigue with electromyography, and patients' ability to contract the TrA with a pressure biofeedback unit. Analyses within and between groups were performed. The stabilization group improved lumbar multifidus fatigue (median frequency [MF] initial [P = .002], MF final [P < .001], MF slope [P = .001], and resistance time [P < .001]), ability to contract the TrA (P < .001), pain (P < .001), and functional disability (P < .001). TENS only was effective for pain (P = .012). Although it relieved pain, TENS was not effective as a single treatment to prevent fatigue, increase TrA contraction, and reduce functional disability in herniated disk patients. Stabilization exercises alone improved all measured outcomes.

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of motor control training and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in relieving pain, reducing functional disability, and improving transversus abdominis activation in patients with lumbar disc herniation with associated radiculopathy. Design: This is a randomized controlled trial. Methods: Forty patients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation were randomly divided into two groups: motor control training group (n = 20) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group (n = 20). Interventions: The motor control training group and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group attended 60 mini sessions twice a week for 8 wks, totaling to 16 sessions. Main Outcome Measures: The main outcome measures are pain, functional disability, and transversus abdominis activation capacity. Results: Differences between both groups were observed after 8 wks, favoring the motor control training group. Motor control training was more effective than transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in relieving pain (mean difference = 3.3 points, 95% confidence interval = 2.12–4.48), reducing functional disability (mean difference = 8.4 points, 95% confidence interval = 5.44–11.36), improving the quality of pain (mean difference = 17 points, 95% confidence interval = 7.93–26.07), sensory quality of pain (mean difference = 10.3 points, 95% confidence interval = 5.55–15.05), and transversus abdominis activation (mean difference = 1.5 points, 95% confidence interval = 0.90–2.10). Conclusions: The results suggest that motor control training is more effective than transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with respect to relieving pain, reducing functional disability, and improving transversus abdominis activation in patients with lumbar disc herniation.