There is limited evidence comparing the effects of manual and instrumented-assisted manipulations among adults with neck pain. Our purpose was to determine the effects of a multisession regime of manual and instrument-assisted cervical manipulation on pain, disability, perception of change, and muscle properties in subjects with nonspecific neck pain. We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in 32 subjects with nonspecific neck pain. Two groups received three sessions of cervical (C3/C4) manipulation, one group manual and the other instrument-assisted, a third group received three sessions of sham manipulation, and a fourth group served as a control. Self-reported pain, pressure pain thresholds, neck disability, patient perception of change, and properties (tonus, stiffness, and elasticity) of the upper trapezius and biceps brachii were assessed at baseline, immediately after the first session and 15 days after the end of the intervention. After the end of the intervention, the percentage of changes in the visual analogue scale score, Neck Disability Index, and Patient Global Perception of Change score were significantly higher in the manual group in comparison with the other groups (p < 0.05). No between-group differences were observed in the percentage of changes in tonus, stiffness, and elasticity of the four muscles at the end of the intervention. We concluded that three sessions of C3/C4 manual manipulation improved pain and disability in subjects with nonspecific neck pain.

Background: Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training may be an alternative when traditional heavy-load training is unsuitable. This study compared BFR with light loads to traditional strength training for shoulder muscle development proximal to the occlusion site; Methods: A total of 22 healthy adults were randomized into Group A: BFR training (30% 1RM; n = 12) and Group B: Traditional strength training (70% 1RM; n = 10). Four-week protocol (2 sessions/week) included shoulder abduction and lateral rotation, and dumbbell overhead press. Arm circumference, Single Arm Seated Shot-Put Test (SAASPT), vertical lift strength (VLS) and Shoulder Endurance Test were assessed at baseline and at the end of the protocol. Cohen’s d effect size was calculated for significant outcomes; Results: Significant gains occurred in both groups across most parameters. The magnitude of effects was, in Group A, large on Arm circumference and SASSPT (Cohen’s d = 0.870 and 1.158, respectively) and very large in VLS and SET (Cohen’s d = 1.284 and 1.301, respectively). In Group B, the magnitude of effects was large in SASSPT and VLS (Cohen’s d = 0.962 and 0.922, respectively) and very large in SET (Cohen’s d = 1.238); Conclusion: BFR training with light loads effectively improved musculature proximal to the occlusion site, demonstrating comparable strength gains to heavy-load training in healthy individuals.

Background/Objectives: Bruxism is a parafunctional habit characterized by clenching or grinding of the teeth. Anxiety, stress, and depression contribute to its etiology, and physiotherapists play an important role in its multidisciplinary management. This study aimed to analyze the association between bruxism and symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression in university students, and to assess students’ knowledge of bruxism and of the physiotherapist’s role in its management. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 219 students, who completed an online questionnaire with three Oral Behaviors Checklist items (DC/TMD Axis II) and the 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Results: The median age was 22 years, and most participants were female (76.7%). The prevalence of possible bruxism was 60.3%. Stress was the predominant psychological profile (56.6%), followed by anxiety (24.3%). Possible bruxism was significantly associated with anxiety (p = 0.043) and stress (p = 0.018), but not with depression, lifestyle habits, or gender. Knowledge was associated with field and year of study (p < 0.05), being highest among dental medicine and physiotherapy students and senior students. Conclusions: Possible bruxism was highly prevalent in this student sample and was associated with anxiety and stress. These findings support early attention to psychological symptoms in this population.