Diss. (sammanfattning) Umeå : Univ., 2008. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Neck-shoulder pain is common in the general population and causes individual suffering as well as large costs for the society. Despite substantial efforts, there is still a shortage of methods for objective diagnosis and effective rehabilitation of such disorders. Thus, there is a great need to develop and evaluate new methods for these purposes. From clinical observations and recent research it has become evident that sensorimotor control can be impaired in people with neck-shoulder pain and may play a role in the pathogenesis of these disorders. In this thesis, precision of goal-directed arm movements, a previously unstudied class of movements in neck-shoulder pain, was studied. The main aim of the thesis was to investigate if people with chronic neck-shoulder pain have a reduced acuity of goal-directed movements of the upper extremity. A second aim was to study associations between reduced movement acuity and symptoms and self-rated characteristics. Upper limb repositioning acuity was assessed in blindfolded subjects performing tests of active, ipsilateral position-matching of two target positions (long and short) in movements constrained to horizontal-adduction of the shoulder. Reduced repositioning acuity, suggesting impaired shoulder proprioception, was found for both subjects with whiplash associated disorders (WAD) and non-specific neck-shoulder pain (NS). The degree of reduced acuity was shown to correlate with self-ratings of various health concepts, functioning and pain. A conspicuous finding was that there was lack of correlation between short and long target errors, along with the fact that associations between repositioning acuity and symptoms and self-rated characteristics was primarily found for the short target position. To further investigate the possible mechanisms underlying the disassociation between long and short target movement control, the association pattern between the outcome of several variants of ipsilateral position matching and velocity-discrimination tests, were studied. It was found that the perception of limb position in position-matching of short target locations appears to be predominantly based on movement velocity, whereas perception of limb position in movements to longer target locations may rely on a location-based perception mechanism. To extend the research on reduced upper extremity proprioception in neck-shoulder pain to a more natural movement situation, acuity of goal-directed pointing including full vision and 3D multi-joint movements was investigated in WAD, NS and healthy controls subjects. The results revealed a reduced acuity for both neck-pain groups. Moreover, distinct associations between end-point acuity and neck movement problems, limitations of some physical functions and, in WAD; some aspects of pain, were revealed. The findings demonstrate that the precision of upper limb movements can be reduced in chronic neck-shoulder pain. Substantial associations with symptoms and self-rated functioning suggest a clinical relevance of acuity measures of goal-directed arm movements. The findings indicate that tests of sensorimotor control can provide objective measures that may be useful in biopsychosocial profiling and characterization of subgroups of patients with chronic neck-shoulder pain, and that training target control of goal-directed movements should be considered in rehabilitation programs of people with these disorders.

Proporção significativa dos doentes que preenchem os critérios atuais que caracterizam a síndrome fibromiálgica apresenta dor assimétrica e alterações do exame da sensibilidade distintas dos doentes com a apresentação clássica, \"simétrica\", de fibromialgia (SFM). Denomina-se esta entidade clínica como Síndrome Dolorosa Disfuncional com Sensibilidade Exteroceptiva Assimétrica (SFM-SDDSEA). Este grupo de doentes apresenta particularidades quanto ao resultado do tratamento e impactos negativos na qualidade de vida significativamente distintos daqueles com o quadro de fibromialgia \"clássica\". O presente estudo objetivou analisar aspectos clínicos, psicofísicos e neurofisiológicos de amostra de doentes que preenchem os novos critérios diagnósticos da SFM e que apresentam SFM-SDDSEA comparando-os aos dos doentes com SFM \"clássica\" e aos voluntários saudáveis. Método. Foram incluídas 32 doentes (45,9±8,5 anos) do sexo feminino que preencheram os Critérios para o Diagnóstico de Fibromialgia do Colégio Americano de Reumatologia (CAR) de 2010 e 31 voluntárias saudáveis (43±2 anos). Dezenove doentes apresentavam quadro clínico \"clássica\" da SFM e 13, SFM-SDDSEA (dor assimétrica e definida como EVA com diferença maior que 40% entre os dois dimídios). Foram utilizados para a avaliação: a Escala Visual Analógica (EVA), a Versão Resumida do Questionário de Dor McGill, a Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão (HAD), o Questionário de Impacto de Fibromialgia (QIF), o Inventário Breve de Dor (IBD), os valores dos limiares de dor à pressão nos pontos dolorosos mensurados com o algiômetro de Fischer (PD), o teste quantitativo de sensibilidade (TQS) e a excitabilidade cortical aferida com estimulação magnética transcraniana (EMT). Resultados. Os doentes com SFM-SDDSEA apresentaram maior escores de interferência da dor nas atividades diárias em relação aos com SFM (54,7±8,9 e 37,6±13,5; respectivamente, p < 0,0001) e maior impacto da dor na qualidade de vida em relação a SFM de acordo com o QIF (73,6±13,9 e 58,3±13,9; respectivamente, p < 0,004). Doentes com SFM-SDDSEA apresentaram limiares de dor à pressão assimétrica, sendo mais baixos no hemicorpo onde a dor era mais intensa (27,74±7,90 e 35,86±8,37; respectivamente, p=0,007). Nos doentes do grupo SFM-SDDSEA, os limiares de dor à pressão do lado mais doloroso foram semelhantes aos dos doentes com SFM (27,77±1,25 e 27,74±2,20; respectivamente, p=0,472), ao passo que os limiares no hemicorpo menos doloroso foram significativamente mais elevados do que os de doentes com SFM (35,86±2,32 e 27,77±1,25; respectivamente, p<0,031). Os doentes com SFM-SDDSEA apresentaram valores maiores de facilitação intracortical no hemisfério contralateral ao hemicorpo em que a dor era mais intensa (1,64±1,06 e 3,35±2,31; respectivamente, p=0,008) e maior amplitude de potencial evocado motor (PEM) à 140% do limiar motor (827±996 e 2134±1495; respectivamente, p=0,005). Conclusões. Doentes com SFM-SDDSEA apresentaram maior impacto dos sintomas dolorosos na qualidade de vida e maior interferência nas atividades diárias, alterações da excitabilidade cortical e limiares de evocação de dor frente aos estímulos pressóricos diferentes daqueles com SFM. Estes resultados indicam que a SFM-SDDSEA constitui entidade clínica à parte, com mecanismos de ocorrência de doença, resposta ao tratamento e prognósticos diferentes da SFM \"clássica\" / Aim of Investigation: A significant proportion of patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) present asymmetrical ongoing pain and abnormalities on the physical examination that are not present in patients with \"classical\" symmetric FMS. From the clinical perspective, this condition has been named FMS-Dysfunctional Pain Syndrome with Asymmetrical Exteroceptive Sensibility (DPSAES). Patients with DPSAES usually present higher negative impact in quality of life when compared to the more \"classic\" FMS patients. The present study aimed at characterizing the clinical, psychophysical and neurophysiological aspects of the FMS-DPSAES patients and compared them to those of \"classic\" FMS patients and healthy controls. Methods: Thirty-two patients (45.9±8.5yo) fulfilling the 2010 American College of Rheumatology FMS Diagnostic Criteria and 31 age-matched healthy controls (HC) (43.0±2.1 yo) were included. Nineteen patients had \"classical\" FMS and 13 had FMS-DPSAES (defined as asymmetrical pain with a more than 40% pain intensity difference between body sides). The following tools were used: The Visual Analogic Scale (VAS), the Short Version of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). The quantitative sensory test battery was performed and included pressure, thermal and mechanical detection and pain thresholds in both hands and suprathreshold stimulations. Cortical excitability measurements were performed in all participants with the transcranial magnetic stimulation. Results: When compared to patients with \"classical\" FMS patients with DPSAES presented higher scores in pain interference in daily activities (54.73±8.90 and 37.66±13.56; respectively; p < 0.0001); higher negative impact in quality of life (73.67±13.90 and 58.38±13.97; respectively, p < 0.004), and lower pressure pain thresholds on the most painful body side (27.74±7.96 and 35.86±8.37; respectively, p=0.007). Cortical excitability parameters were asymmetrical in FMS-DPSAES patients and showed higher intracortical facilitation (3.35±2.31 and 1.64±1.06; respectively, p=0.008) and higher amplitude of motor evoked potentials in the brain hemisphere contralateral to the more painful body side in FMS-DPSAES (2134±1495 and 827±996; respectively; p=0.005). Conclusions: Patients with FMS-DPSAES had higher negative impact in quality of life, distinct cortical excitability profile changes and different pressure pain thresholds compared to patients with \"classical\" FMS. The current evidence suggests that FMS-DPSAES may be a clinical entitiy distinct from FMS with its own mechanisms, response to treatment and prognosis

Proporção significativa dos doentes que preenchem os critérios atuais que caracterizam a síndrome fibromiálgica apresenta dor assimétrica e alterações do exame da sensibilidade distintas dos doentes com a apresentação clássica, \"simétrica\", de fibromialgia (SFM). Denomina-se esta entidade clínica como Síndrome Dolorosa Disfuncional com Sensibilidade Exteroceptiva Assimétrica (SFM-SDDSEA). Este grupo de doentes apresenta particularidades quanto ao resultado do tratamento e impactos negativos na qualidade de vida significativamente distintos daqueles com o quadro de fibromialgia \"clássica\". O presente estudo objetivou analisar aspectos clínicos, psicofísicos e neurofisiológicos de amostra de doentes que preenchem os novos critérios diagnósticos da SFM e que apresentam SFM-SDDSEA comparando-os aos dos doentes com SFM \"clássica\" e aos voluntários saudáveis. Método. Foram incluídas 32 doentes (45,9±8,5 anos) do sexo feminino que preencheram os Critérios para o Diagnóstico de Fibromialgia do Colégio Americano de Reumatologia (CAR) de 2010 e 31 voluntárias saudáveis (43±2 anos). Dezenove doentes apresentavam quadro clínico \"clássica\" da SFM e 13, SFM-SDDSEA (dor assimétrica e definida como EVA com diferença maior que 40% entre os dois dimídios). Foram utilizados para a avaliação: a Escala Visual Analógica (EVA), a Versão Resumida do Questionário de Dor McGill, a Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão (HAD), o Questionário de Impacto de Fibromialgia (QIF), o Inventário Breve de Dor (IBD), os valores dos limiares de dor à pressão nos pontos dolorosos mensurados com o algiômetro de Fischer (PD), o teste quantitativo de sensibilidade (TQS) e a excitabilidade cortical aferida com estimulação magnética transcraniana (EMT). Resultados. Os doentes com SFM-SDDSEA apresentaram maior escores de interferência da dor nas atividades diárias em relação aos com SFM (54,7±8,9 e 37,6±13,5; respectivamente, p < 0,0001) e maior impacto da dor na qualidade de vida em relação a SFM de acordo com o QIF (73,6±13,9 e 58,3±13,9; respectivamente, p < 0,004). Doentes com SFM-SDDSEA apresentaram limiares de dor à pressão assimétrica, sendo mais baixos no hemicorpo onde a dor era mais intensa (27,74±7,90 e 35,86±8,37; respectivamente, p=0,007). Nos doentes do grupo SFM-SDDSEA, os limiares de dor à pressão do lado mais doloroso foram semelhantes aos dos doentes com SFM (27,77±1,25 e 27,74±2,20; respectivamente, p=0,472), ao passo que os limiares no hemicorpo menos doloroso foram significativamente mais elevados do que os de doentes com SFM (35,86±2,32 e 27,77±1,25; respectivamente, p<0,031). Os doentes com SFM-SDDSEA apresentaram valores maiores de facilitação intracortical no hemisfério contralateral ao hemicorpo em que a dor era mais intensa (1,64±1,06 e 3,35±2,31; respectivamente, p=0,008) e maior amplitude de potencial evocado motor (PEM) à 140% do limiar motor (827±996 e 2134±1495; respectivamente, p=0,005). Conclusões. Doentes com SFM-SDDSEA apresentaram maior impacto dos sintomas dolorosos na qualidade de vida e maior interferência nas atividades diárias, alterações da excitabilidade cortical e limiares de evocação de dor frente aos estímulos pressóricos diferentes daqueles com SFM. Estes resultados indicam que a SFM-SDDSEA constitui entidade clínica à parte, com mecanismos de ocorrência de doença, resposta ao tratamento e prognósticos diferentes da SFM \"clássica\" / Aim of Investigation: A significant proportion of patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) present asymmetrical ongoing pain and abnormalities on the physical examination that are not present in patients with \"classical\" symmetric FMS. From the clinical perspective, this condition has been named FMS-Dysfunctional Pain Syndrome with Asymmetrical Exteroceptive Sensibility (DPSAES). Patients with DPSAES usually present higher negative impact in quality of life when compared to the more \"classic\" FMS patients. The present study aimed at characterizing the clinical, psychophysical and neurophysiological aspects of the FMS-DPSAES patients and compared them to those of \"classic\" FMS patients and healthy controls. Methods: Thirty-two patients (45.9±8.5yo) fulfilling the 2010 American College of Rheumatology FMS Diagnostic Criteria and 31 age-matched healthy controls (HC) (43.0±2.1 yo) were included. Nineteen patients had \"classical\" FMS and 13 had FMS-DPSAES (defined as asymmetrical pain with a more than 40% pain intensity difference between body sides). The following tools were used: The Visual Analogic Scale (VAS), the Short Version of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). The quantitative sensory test battery was performed and included pressure, thermal and mechanical detection and pain thresholds in both hands and suprathreshold stimulations. Cortical excitability measurements were performed in all participants with the transcranial magnetic stimulation. Results: When compared to patients with \"classical\" FMS patients with DPSAES presented higher scores in pain interference in daily activities (54.73±8.90 and 37.66±13.56; respectively; p < 0.0001); higher negative impact in quality of life (73.67±13.90 and 58.38±13.97; respectively, p < 0.004), and lower pressure pain thresholds on the most painful body side (27.74±7.96 and 35.86±8.37; respectively, p=0.007). Cortical excitability parameters were asymmetrical in FMS-DPSAES patients and showed higher intracortical facilitation (3.35±2.31 and 1.64±1.06; respectively, p=0.008) and higher amplitude of motor evoked potentials in the brain hemisphere contralateral to the more painful body side in FMS-DPSAES (2134±1495 and 827±996; respectively; p=0.005). Conclusions: Patients with FMS-DPSAES had higher negative impact in quality of life, distinct cortical excitability profile changes and different pressure pain thresholds compared to patients with \"classical\" FMS. The current evidence suggests that FMS-DPSAES may be a clinical entitiy distinct from FMS with its own mechanisms, response to treatment and prognosis