Devido a grande prevalência de lombalgia não-especifica, esse estudo buscou conhecer melhor sobre o uso do método Pilates no tratamento desta doença. Os objetivos foram descrever e comparar o padrão eletromiográfico da musculatura do core durante exercícios intermediários do Mat Pilates em pessoas saudáveis e com lombalgia não-específica, bem como relatar as diferenças entre os exercícios e a sequência de progressão de cada exercício para fins terapêuticos. A amostra foi composta por 32 pessoas (13 com lombalgia crônica não-específica e 19 saudáveis) com idade entre 18-45 anos e sem contato prévio com o Pilates. Os músculos multífido, oblíquo externo, oblíquo interno e reto abdominal foram avaliados eletromiograficamente e exercícios clássicos do repertório foram escolhidos (Single leg stretch, Criss-cross e Dead bug). Utilizou-se um eletromiógrafo de superfície de 8-canais, wireless, sincronizado com a variação angular de quadril e os dados coletados em 2 kHz. Analisamos (a) Root mean square (RMS) normalizado pela contração voluntaria máxima, (b) pico do envoltório normalizado pela contração voluntaria máxima; (c) tempo do pico de ativação e (d) co-contração entre a musculatura flexora e extensora (reto abdominal / oblíquo externo / oblíquo interno X multífido). Foram realizadas ANOVAs para medidas repetidas para comparar os exercícios entre si quanto as variáveis RMS e pico de ativação. E, ANOVAs 2 fatores para se comparar os grupos e exercícios para as variáveis tempo de pico de ativação e co-contração. Como resultados, obtivemos que o exercício criss-cross apresentou maiores valores de RMS para os flexores de tronco - reto abdominal, oblíquo externo e interno - quando comparado com os outros exercícios. Os maiores picos de ativação foram dos músculos oblíquo interno e externo no exercício Criss-cross, seguidos do Single leg stretch e do Dead bug, os quais se apresentaram mais similares entre si. O tempo do pico de ativação do reto abdominal e oblíquo externo mostraram-se mais adiantados para o Dead bug e Single leg stretch, enquanto que para o Criss-cross, foram mais atrasados em ambos os grupos. Tanto controles quanto lombálgicos apresentaram maiores índices de cocontração no exercício Dead bug e Single leg stretch, sendo que o Criss-cross apresenta o menor índice deles, com exceção da razão entre obliquo externo e multífido nos controles. Os grupos estudados foram semelhantes entre si em todos os exercícios em relação à co-contração, mas o tempo de pico do reto abdominal e do oblíquo externo dos lombálgicos apresentaram-se mais adiantados que os controles. Podemos concluir que os exercícios foram diferentes quanto a seu padrão de recrutamento do core mesmo tendo a mesma classificação dentro do método - intermediários- e que em termos de progressão clínica para o tratamento de lombalgia crônica, deveríamos iniciar com os exercícios menos desafiadores (Dead bug, Single leg stretch) e somente então evoluir para exercícios mais complexos que demandem de maior estabilização lombo-pélvica (Criss-cross). O método Pilates permitiu a ativação da musculatura estabilizadora lombo-pélvica mesmo em uma primeira sessão, tanto com indivíduos saudáveis quanto lombálgicos, podendo ser portanto indicado nos casos de reabilitação de indivíduos com lombalgia crônica não específica desde que com progressão adequada / Due to the high prevalence of non-specific low back pain, this study meant to learn more about the best use of the Pilates method in rehabilitation. The aims of the study were to describe and compare the core muscles electromyographic pattern during intermediate Mat Pilates exercises in healthy people and with low back pain. In addition, to report the differences between the exercise and the sequence of progression of each exercise for therapeutic purposes. The sample consisted of 32 people (13 with chronic non-specific low back pain and 19 healthy) aged between 18 and 45 years with no prior contact with Pilates. An electromyography analysis were done assessing the multifidus, external oblique, internal oblique and rectus abdominis muscles and exercises of the classical repertoire were chosen (Single leg stretch, Criss-cross and Dead bug). It was used a surface 8-channel electromyograph, wireless, synchronized with the hip angular variation and the data were acquired at 2 kHz. It were analysed: (a) Root mean square (RMS) normalized by maximum voluntary contraction, (b) peak of the linear envelope normalized by maximum voluntary contraction; (c) time of peak activation and (d) co-contraction of the flexor and extensor muscles (rectus abdominis / external oblique / internal oblique X multifidus). ANOVAs for repeated measures were performed to compare between exercises using the variables RMS and peak activation. Moreover, two-way ANOVAs compared groups and exercises for the variables time of peak activation and co-contraction. We observed that the criss-cross exercise had higher RMS values for the trunk flexors - rectus abdominis, external oblique and internal oblique - when compared to other exercises. The highest peaks of activation were observed for the internal and external oblique muscles in Criss-cross exercise, followed by the Single leg stretch and the Dead bug, which presented similar behaviour to each other. The time of peak activation of the external oblique and rectus abdominis showed up anticipated for the Dead bug and Single leg stretch, while for the Crisscross, delayed in both groups. Both groups had higher co-contraction rates in the Dead bug and Single leg stretch exercises, and the Criss-cross had the lowest indexes, with the exception of the ratio of external oblique and multifidus in control group. Both groups were similar in all exercises for co-contraction, but the low back pain group presented earlier time of peak of rectus abdominis and external oblique of than controls. We conclude that the exercises were different as their recruitment pattern, even with the same classification in the Pilates method - as intermediate exercises - and in terms of treatment progression of chronic low back pain, we may start with the least challenging exercises (Dead bug, Single leg stretch) and only then progress to more complex exercises that require greater lumbopelvic stabilization (Criss-cross). The Pilates method allowed the activation of the lumbopelvic stabilizing muscles even in a first session for both groups, and may therefore be indicated in cases of chronic nonspecific low back pain rehabilitation with proper progression

A dor lombar crônica é um importante problema de Saúde Pública. Profissionais de saúde que trabalham com doenças crônicas com frequência se deparam com as dificuldades que alguns pacientes apresentam em aderir aos tratamentos prescritos. Analisamos a adesão ao tratamento de pacientes com dor lombar crônica, em uma clínica de neurocirurgia do interior paulista e implementamos um guia de orientação que facilite a adesão ao tratamento da dor lombar crônica desses pacientes, demanda discutida com os gestores da clínica. A adesão terapêutica foi o referencial desse estudo. Utilizamos um método transversal e descritivo com abordagem qualitativa, e instrumento de coleta de dados, entrevista semiestruturada e fonte documental. Foram considerados sujeitos do estudo, todos os pacientes que procuraram atendimento na referida clínica de neurocirurgia com patologias da coluna vertebral, no período de seis meses (Fevereiro à Agosto) referente ao ano de 2017 com idade superior a 18 anos. Foram incluídos pacientes com diagnóstico médico de dor lombar crônica específica e inespecífica há pelo menos seis meses, com capacidade de expressão e comunicação preservados. A entrevista semiestruturada, abordou a compreensão dos pacientes quanto ao diagnóstico médico, ao tratamento e uma pergunta aberta para expressarem a percepção sobre a dor lombar no seu cotidiano. Para a análise dos dados utilizamos a Análise de Conteúdo. Na caracterização dos sujeitos, encontramos 57,2% do sexo feminino, a faixa etária predominante 62% foi entre 40 a 59 anos. Estado civil, 66,7% casados, escolaridade 47,6% ensino superior completo, cor da pele auto referida, branca 90,5%. Quanto ao IMC prevaleceu sobrepeso com 42,9%, profissão 33,3% eram do lar, ocupação 38% estavam ativos e quanto ao tempo de dor, de 1 a 5 anos, 62% e 76,2% dos participantes do estudo não faziam atividade física. Consideramos que analisar o conceito de adesão e seus fatores multidimensionais facilitou compreender as diferentes formas de lidar com a DLC. Destacamos as redes de apoio (trabalho, família e amigos), o bom relacionamento entre o profissional de saúde e o paciente promovendo uma compreensão sobre seu diagnóstico e tratamento. Importante promover o acolhimento, escuta qualificada para que o paciente se torne o sujeito ativo do seu tratamento e reabilitação. Para isto, a Integralidade do cuidado depende de um novo arranjo de práticas e conformações dos serviços de saúde que incluam a singularidade dos sujeitos. O estudo inicialmente pactuado e os resultados serão devolvidos para os gestores do local de estudo / Chronic low back pain is an important Public Health problem. Health professionals working with chronic illnesses often deal with the difficulties some patients face in adhering to the prescribed treatments. We have Analyzed the adherence to the treatment of patients with chronic low back pain in a neurosurgery clinic in a city in the countryside of São Paulo state and developed a guideline that facilitates adherence to the treatment of chronic low back pain in these patients, a demand discussed with the clinic managers. Therapeutic adherence was the referential of this study. We used a transversal and descriptive method with qualitative approach, data collection instrument, semi-structured interview, and documentary source. The study subjects were all patients who sought care in the referred neurosurgery clinic with spinal pathologies, in the six-month from February to August, referring to the year 2017, aged over 18 years. We included patients with a specific and non-specific chronic low back pain medical diagnosis for at least six months, with preserved expression and communication capacity. The semi-structured interview addressed the patients\' understanding of the medical diagnosis, the treatment and an open question to express the perception about low back pain in their daily life. The data were analysed using a content analysis method. In the characterization of the subjects, we found 57.2% of female patients; the predominant age group representing 62% was between 40 and 59 years old; 66.7% of patients were married; 47.6% had higher education; regarding skin color, 90.5% of the patients reported themselves as white; as for BMI, overweight was predominant with 42.9%, on occupation 33.3% developed home activities; 38% of the patients were active and 62% of them stated to have had pain for 1 to 5 years, and 76.2% of study participants did not practice any physical activity. We consider that analyzing the concept of adherence and its multidimensional factors makes it easier to understand the different ways of dealing with chronic low back pain. We highlight the support networks (work, family and friends), the good relationship between the health professional and the patient, promoting a good understanding of their diagnosis and treatment. To promote the acceptance, the extended listening so that the patient becomes the active subject of its treatment and rehabilitation. For this, the integrality of the care depends on a new arrangement of practices and conformations of the health services that include the singularity of the subjects. The study initially agreed and the results will be returned to the managers of the study site

Low back pain (LBP) is the top reason for Soldiers to seek medical care and one of the top reasons to be medically discharged. Mental health problems and psychosocial stressors have been increasing in Soldiers and are also top causes for medical discharge. Dysregulated stress has contributed to many Soldiers and Veterans to develop chronic LBP as well as mental health disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research suggests that psychosocial characteristics, as opposed to physical factors or tissue health, contribute to chronic pain the most. Focusing entirely on tissues for individuals seeking care for LBP can increase disability and vulnerability. Attributing physical pain to mental health concerns, however, risks stigmatizing patients or making them feel dismissed. The purpose of this dissertation was to develop a pain neuroscience education (PNE) program for Veterans and Soldiers with LBP and stress and determine if PNE is more effective in improving disability, PTSD symptoms, and beliefs about pain compared to traditional education about back pain and stress. This dissertation demonstrated that Veterans with PTSD can comprehend the neuroscience of pain and PTSD at a comparable level to a highly educated Veteran and medical panel without PTSD when adjusting for education. Since a proportion of participants were concerned that using military examples in PNE might increase PTSD symptoms, however, results from pilot testing suggested that the PNE materials developed for this dissertation should be tested in a clinical trial to ensure they do not increase PTSD symptoms. A systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that Veterans with PTSD have higher depression and pain-catastrophizing beliefs for a large effect size compared to Veterans without PTSD. Furthermore, Veterans with PTSD have significantly lower pain self-efficacy with a large effect size. Compared to Veterans without PTSD, Veterans with PTSD have higher pain and disability. These results, however, were not confirmed in Veterans presenting to a Physical Therapy clinic. In fact, this dissertation revealed that many of the negative outcomes previously attributed to PTSD in the literature may be due to the correlation between PTSD symptoms and pain-catastrophizing beliefs rather than from trauma. Furthermore, Veterans with chronic LBP do not appear to have different sensitivity levels to pressure based on PTSD symptoms. Finally, the results from a randomized controlled trial provide evidence that PNE greatly improves the confidence of Veterans and Soldiers to increase participation in social, work, and life roles despite the pain as measured by the pain self-efficacy questionnaire. Participants in the experimental group were more likely to achieve a meaningful reduction in disability at the 8-week follow-up compared to the control group. Furthermore, Veterans and Soldiers with LBP were more satisfied with how PNE explains pain and believed the PNE curriculum connected with their military experiences better than traditional psychosocial education about stress. Participants in the experimental arm were less likely to believe that exercise is harmful compared to traditional education. Finally, PNE improved PTSD symptoms beyond the clinically meaningful threshold in the experimental arm. In conclusion, PNE appears to be an effective treatment for PTSD, disability, and pain-related beliefs in Veterans and Soldiers with chronic LBP. These results should be replicated in a larger sample to ensure generalizability beyond the current study.

Abnormal lumbar movement has been observed in individuals who have a history of low back pain (LBP). Affected individuals display a reduction in lumbar spine rotation during trunk movement tasks, while pelvic rotation increases to compensate. Reduced lumbar contribution to forward bending is associated with increased compressive forces and increased shearing demand of the task on the lower back. This abnormal lumbo-pelvic coordination (LPC) can persist beyond LBP symptom alleviation and may contribute to further occurrences or more severe cases of LBP. This study serves as a first step in investigating if abnormal LPC can be corrected with a hip orthosis by examining the effects of the device on the LPC of healthy individuals. Twenty participants without presence or history of LBP were recruited to participate in a repeated measures study, completing trunk motion tasks with and without a hip orthosis. In a random order, participants completed forward bending and backward return, lateral bending to the left and right, and axial twisting to the left and right. Thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic rotation along with lumbar-thoracic ratio (LTR) were calculated for each of the movement tasks. Thoracic rotation (total trunk movement) was not significantly altered (p > 0.05, F=0.633) by the application of the hip orthosis. LTR was significantly increased (p < 0.001, F=2.96) with the orthosis by 32%, 22%, 12%, 4%, and 12% for axial twisting left, axial twisting right, lateral bending left, lateral bending right, and forward bending, respectively. This indicates lumbar contributions were increased by physically restricting the pelvis. The effects of a hip orthosis should be further investigated in LBP patients to verify correction of an abnormal LPC.

There is a practice gap in the self-management education of patients with chronic low back pain. Insufficient self-management leads to increased frequency of flare-ups of low back pain, disability, loss of productivity, and increased cost of health care. The guiding practice-focused question was focused on the unmet self-management support needs of the chronic low back pain patients in a Midwestern state local pain clinic. The purpose of this descriptive cross-sectional study was to ascertain the unmet needs of patients' self-management support by analyzing the results of a patient study performed by this clinic. The theoretical principles of the model for evidence-based practice change, the chronic care model, and the middle-range theory of self-care of chronic illness were used. The evidence included the analysis of the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care Survey (PACIC) data from 100 patients treated in this pain clinic. The clinic used the PACIC questionnaire to collect data from its 100 chronic low back pain patients, selected by simple random sampling method. The average weighted scores of these patients' responses were below the norm on all PACIC subscales and summary scores. According to study results, this pain clinic did not meet the self-management support needs of its chronic low back pain patients. Evidence-based recommendations were made for the improvement in the medical model of patient care by including nurse-led patient education and support. The positive social change is the improvement in the health status of this growing health population by meeting their identified education and support needs. Positive results from this nurse-led intervention could lead to the dissemination and widespread implementation of these recommendations in other pain clinics.

Chronic back pain is costly and potentially disabling, with low response to medical procedures. Poor physical and mental health demonstrate correlation with chronic back pain. The current study investigated the value of using health-related locus of control and pain-related self-efficacy to predict physical and mental health outcomes following multidisciplinary intervention for chronic back pain. Form C of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scales and the Chronic Pain Self Efficacy scale were administered to 28 males and 33 females ages 28 to 72 completing chronic back pain rehabilitation. Locus of control, self-efficacy, and physical and mental health demonstrated treatment-related changes, with notable improvements in physical and mental health. Regression analyses examined the value of pre-treatment health locus of control and pain-related self-efficacy as predictors of physical and mental health one month following treatment. Higher internal and lower doctor health locus of control, and higher self-efficacy at baseline predicted higher lift scores one month after treatment. Higher baseline self-efficacy also predicted better physical functioning and lower disability at one month. Pain-related self-efficacy and health locus of control may be valuable predictors of treatment benefit for chronic back pain patients. Limitations included low sample size.

Epidemiological evidence suggests an association between exposure to non-neutral working postures and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the low back and shoulder. Accurate and precise quantitative estimation of exposure to non-neutral working postures is, therefore, essential for evaluating worker risk, developing and testing ergonomic interventions, and improving worker health and well-being. Current methods used to directly estimate occupational exposure to non-neutral postures may be obtrusive, often lack sufficient portability for field use, and have limited accuracy and precision when used to measure dynamic or complex motions. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) are emerging instrumentation devices that measure and report an object's orientation and motion characteristics using multiple electromechanical sensors (i.e., accelerometers, gyroscopes, and/or magnetometers). They have been observed to accurately monitor body kinematics over periods of relatively short duration in comparison to laboratory-based optical motion capture systems. Limited research, however, has been performed comparing exposure information obtained with IMUs to exposure information obtained with other field-capable direct measurement exposure assessment methods. Furthermore, insufficient information on the repeatability of IMU-based estimates over a substantial time period (e.g., a full work shift) and inadequate knowledge regarding the effects of different IMU sensor configurations and processing methods on the accuracy and repeatability of estimates of exposure obtained with IMU systems contributes to a lack of their use in epidemiological field studies. This thesis was designed to address these issues and expand upon the current scientific literature regarding the use of IMU sensors as direct measurement devices for assessing exposure to non-neutral working postures in the field. Chapter I provides a background and justification for the work. Chapter II presents the findings of a laboratory-based, manual material handling study that was performed to compare estimates of thoracolumbar trunk motion obtained with a commercially available IMU system with estimates of thoracolumbar trunk motion obtained with a field-capable reference system, the Lumbar Motion Monitor (LMM). The effects of alternative sensor configurations and processing methods on the agreement between LMM and IMU-based estimates of trunk motion were also explored. Chapter III presents the results of a study performed to evaluate the accuracy and repeatability of estimates of trunk angular displacement and upper arm elevation obtained with the IMU system examined in Chapter II over the course of an eight-hour work shift in both a laboratory and field-based setting. The effects of alternative sensor configurations and processing methods on the accuracy and repeatability of estimates of trunk angular displacement and upper arm elevation obtained with the IMU system were also studied. Chapter IV presents the results of a randomized, repeated measures intervention that demonstrates the utility of the IMU system examined in Chapters II and III as a direct measurement instrument for comparing "ergonomic" and conventional examination equipment commonly used by ophthalmologists. Finally, Chapter V summarizes the major findings, discusses their practical implications, and provides suggestions for future research.

Chronic back pain is a serious problem in the U.S. for which about 10% of back pain sufferers will undergo elective surgery. Unfortunately, back surgery is not successful in alleviating back pain in a substantial number of surgery patients. Various psychological and psychosocial variables have a demonstrated relationship to back surgery outcome. The most widely used personality test used to predict back surgery outcome is the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPJ). Past research has shown that elevations on three MMPI clinical scales (Hs, D, and Hy) are positively correlated with poor back surgery outcome. The current prospective study shows a similar pattern using the MMPI-2 to predict surgery outcome for 60 low back pain patients. It appears that past MMPI research in this area is applicable to the use of MMPI-2. These results also suggest that when MMPI-2 variables are combined with demographic and surgical variables, patients more likely to experience poor surgical outcome can be identified. There is evidence that elevations of the conversion V profile of the MMPI-2 may prospectively differentiate between successful and nonsuccessful surgery outcomes.

Aim: The overall aim of this thesis was to study prognostic factors for prolonged disability in back pain in the general population and physiotherapists’ screening for prolonged disability, applying a social cognitive learning perspective. Methods and results: Studies I and II were based on a survey in the general population in Sweden. Study I included 1024 individuals aged 20-50 years, reporting non-specific back pain. Four groups (n = 100, 215, 172 and 537) based on duration and recurrence of back pain were formed and compared. After controlling for pain intensity, catastrophising and expectations of future pain were positively correlated to pain duration. Perceived social support was negatively correlated to pain duration. Study II was longitudinal over 12 months and analysed one group reporting first-episode back pain (n = 77), and one group reporting long-term back pain (n = 302). Future pain intensity and disability were predicted by initial levels of pain and disability and pain-related cognitions in both groups. Study III examined the inter-rater reliability of a research protocol for assessment of physiotherapists’ telephone screening for prolonged disability. The results demonstrated sufficient inter-rater reliability. Study IV evaluated the effect of a tailored skills training intervention on physiotherapists’ screening for prolonged disability in back pain. Four physiotherapists in primary care participated in four quasi-experimental single-subject studies. Effects were seen in all participants, with increased screening of prognostic factors and less time spent on detailed discussions about back pain. Conclusions: The identification of mainly cognitive explanatory variables indicates the relevance of a social cognitive perspective of back pain-related disability (studies I and II). Physiotherapists’ telephone screening for prolonged disability in back can be reliably assessed (study III). It is suggested that interventions based on social cognitive theory are effective in producing change in specified clinical behaviours in physiotherapists (study IV).

<p>Low back pain (LBP) is a growing health and socio-economic problem worldwide, affecting humans from adolescent to adult age. In developed countries, more than 80% of adults are at risk of suffering a disabling episode of LBP at one point during their life time. In developing countries, particularly in Africa, the life time prevalence of LBP varies in population groups, but the disability due to LBP is increasing. The aetiology of LBP is multifactorial, and there is still no consensus on the exact cause and contributing factors to LBP. In addition, little is known about patients&rsquo / knowledge and beliefs on the contributing factors to their LBP. The current study therefore, aimed to identify patients&rsquo / knowledge, attitudes and beliefs on the contributing factors to LBP, among patients attending physiotherapy outpatient departments in Malawi.</p>