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Musculoskeletal problems of performing artists.

We have reviewed the frequency and variety of rheumatic problems among performing artists. For instrumentalists, injuries are related to the type of instrument played, the technique used and the effort expended in the quest for excellence. For dancers, musculoskeletal problems too reflect technique and effort. We should not be surprised at the frequency of these problems. Rheumatologists, as well as orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists, neurologists and other physicians, encounter performing artists as patients. We should be familiar with their problems and be able to knowledgeably diagnose and manage them. This may include observing the artist during actual performances. How is the instrument being held? What is the posture of the artist? What are the comments of the coach or teacher. What type of shoes does the ballerina wear? What movements in particular cause discomfort? These and similar observations will have direct bearing on the musculoskeletal problems of these artists. Published studies have related the variety, frequency and disabling nature of performance-related musculoskeletal problems. Unfortunately few if any of these are controlled, blinded or prospective. We need more and better information. We will want clear information about prevalence of problems, better definition of the musculoskeletal ailments, classification of the relationship of problems with performance and individual biomechanical features, information about response of specific problems to interventions, and data about the long-term consequences, if any, of these rheumatic problems to the musculoskeletal system. Artists as patients are unique. Minor problems can become potentially career-ending disabilities. Making music or performing dance may provide us with delightful entertainment but represents a source of livelihood to artists. Understanding their medical needs and enabling them to continue to perform is the challenge before us.

Adult↗

The influence of simulated wear upon the ability of insoles to reduce peak pressures during running when wearing military boots.

Mechanical degradation of three types of shock absorbing insoles equivalent to 100-130 km of running did not reduce their ability to attenuate the peak pressures generated during running when wearing military boots. Pressure measurements at the heel and forefoot were recorded with pressure measuring insoles placed in the boots of nine subjects. Two of the three insoles tested reduced the peak pressures (P<0.05) generated at the heel and forefoot relative to the no-insole (control) condition. The most effective insole reduced the peak pressures at the heel by 37% and at the forefoot by 24%.

Analysis of Variance↗

Force and repetition in cycling: possible implications for iliotibial band friction syndrome.

This study examined force and repetition during simulated distance cycling with regard to how they may possibly influence the on-set of the overuse injury at the knee called iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS). A 3D motion analysis system was used to track lower limb kinematics during cycling. Forces between the pedal and foot were collected using a pressure-instrumented insole that slipped into the shoe. Ten recreational athletes (30.6+/-5.5 years) with no known history of ITBFS participated in the study. Foot-pedal force, knee flexion angle and crank angle were examined as they relate to the causes of ITBFS. Specifically, foot-pedal force, repetition and impingement time were calculated and compared with the same during running. A minimum knee flexion angle of approximately 33 degrees occurred at a crank angle of 170 degrees. The foot-pedal force at this point was 231 N. This minimum knee flexion angle falls near the edge of the impingement zone of the iliotibial band (ITB) and the femoral epicondyle, and is the point at which ITBFS is aggravated causing pain at the knee. The foot-pedal forces during cycling are only 18% of those occurring during running while the ITB is in the impingement zone. Thus, repetition of the knee in the impingement zone during cycling appears to play a more prominent role than force in the on-set of ITBFS. The results also suggest that ITBFS may be further aggravated by improper seat position (seat too high), anatomical differences, and training errors while cycling.

Adult↗

Use of surface electromyography to estimate neck muscle activity.

This paper reviews the literature concerning the use of surface electromyography (sEMG) for the study of the neck musculature in response to work and workplace design during light work and semi-static tasks. The paper also draws upon basic research and biomechanical modeling in order to provide methodological recommendations for the use of surface electromyography in this region of the body and to identify areas which require further investigation. The paper includes review and discussion of electrode site location, methods of normalization, data reliability, and factors that can affect sEMG signals from this region, including noise, physiologic artifact, stress, visual deficiencies, and pain. General guidance for maximum exertions with the neck musculature, for sEMG normalization or other purposes, is also included.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Intimal hyperplasia in the distal ulnar artery; Influence of gender and implications for the hypothenar hammer syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: The distal ulnar artery in the hand is subjected to trauma when the hypothenar eminence is used as a hammer. The clinical presentation of arterial obstruction or aneurysm formation at this site with a history of trauma to the hypothenar eminence is termed the hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS) and is most commonly observed in the right hands of men. Since the trauma-inducing activities associated with the HHS are common, the histopathology of this arterial segment in our autopsy population was evaluated. METHODS: The distal ulnar artery in the hand was examined in 21 randomly selected autopsies. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cross sections of artery were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), trichrome and elastic stains as well as immunohistochemistry for CD34 and alpha-smooth muscle actin. RESULTS: Intimal hyperplasia is common at this site in the vasculature. The degree of intimal hyperplasia, as assessed by the intima/media ratio, is significantly greater in the right hands of men than in either their corresponding left hands or in women. None of the arterial segments examined contained foam cells or extracellular lipid deposits indicative of atherosclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: In the injury-prone segment of the distal ulnar artery, intimal hyperplasia is common but is particularly severe in the right hands of men, correlating with the demographics of the HHS. Although, this arterial segment frequently develops intimal hyperplasia, it is resistant to the development of atherosclerosis.

Adult↗

A potential complication of laparoscopy--the surgeon's herniated cervical disk.

Almost all operations that were traditionally performed by open laparotomy operations can be done laparoscopically; however, surgeons may experience several negative health effects. A 37-year-old gynecologic laparoscopist had a herniated intervertebral disk at C5-6 level. Due to a negative trauma history, a possible explanation may be the nonergonomic posture that he held while performing laparoscopic surgery for many hours. To reduce the risk of this complication, we recommend that surgeons' spatial orientation and hand-eye coordination for laparoscopy be improved by sequential phases of training.

Adult↗

An evaluation of the association between fibromyalgia and repetitive strain injuries in metalworkers of an industry in Guarulhos, Brazil.

UNLABELLED: Repetitive strain injuries are a common diagnostic label for musculoskeletal pain occurring at the workplace. Although many individuals present with diffuse pain, the diagnosis of fibromyalgia in this setting is rare. Our objective was to establish the point prevalence of the fibromyalgia syndrome in a population of assembly line workers in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Thirty-four workers with repetitive strain injury diagnoses were studied and compared with 49 workers, paired by age, sex, and labor function. All individuals were studied by a comprehensive clinical protocol. Diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome was established when the 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria for this syndrome were met. RESULTS: Among the 34 workers with the diagnosis of repetitive strain injuries, 58.8% fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia syndrome, while only 10.4% of the controls met the same criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Fibromyalgia syndrome was largely involved in the symptoms of patients with repetitive strain injuries, as opposed to coworkers with non-repetitive strain injuries. So, instead of the repetitive strain injuries label, many of these cases should be called fibromyalgic patients.

Adult↗

A survey of injuries sustained in the game of touch.

Three hundred and forty-five Touch football players were retrospectively surveyed to determine the nature and incidence of injuries sustained over a one year period. The definition of injury was that it prevented playing or training for at least one week. A total of 177 injuries were sustained by 117 players who participated in a total of 1043 hours of playing and training each week. The injury rate was 4.85/1000 hours of playing or training which was less than in other football codes. This rate was significantly more (p < 0.05) among males and no relationship was evident based on representative or training status. 71% of injuries were to the lower limb. 23% of all injuries involved the ankle. Less than 3% of injuries affected the head or neck. 54% of injuries were considered mild in that they only prevented playing or training for less than two weeks. Only 17% of injuries were stated to have been caused by contact with another player. This study found that the injury rate in Touch was much less than in other football codes.

Adolescent↗

The VISA score: an index of severity of symptoms in patients with jumper's knee (patellar tendinosis). Victorian Institute of Sport Tendon Study Group.

Symptoms of jumper's knee (patellar tendinosis) are not easily quantified and this may explain why there are no evidence-based guidelines for managing the condition. A simple, practical questionnaire-based index of severity would facilitate jumper's knee research and subsequently, clinical management. Thus we devised and tested the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment (VISA) questionnaire. The brief questionnaire assesses (i) symptoms, (ii) simple tests of function and (iii) ability to play sport. Six of the eight questions are scored on a visual analogue scale from 0-10 with 10 representing optimal health. The maximal VISA score for an asymptomatic, fully performing individual is 100 points and the theoretical minimum is 0 points. We found the VISA scale to have excellent short-term test-retest, and inter-tester reliability (both, r>0.95) as well as good short-term (one week) stability (r=0.87). Mean (SD) of the VISA scores ranged from 95 (8) points in asymptomatic control subjects to 55 (12) points in patients who presented to a sports medicine clinic with jumper's knee and 22 (17) points in patients before surgery for chronic jumper's knee. Six- and twelve-months after surgery VISA scores returned to 49 (15) and 75 (17) points respectively, mirroring clinical recovery. We conclude that the VISA score is a reliable index of the severity of jumper's knee that has potential to aid clinicians and researchers.

Adult↗

Chronic tendon pathology: molecular basis and therapeutic implications.

Tendons are frequently affected by chronic pain or rupture. Many causative factors have been implicated in the pathology, which until relatively recently was under-researched and poorly understood. There is now a greater knowledge of the molecular basis of tendon disease. Most tendon pathology (tendinopathy) is associated with degeneration, which is thought to be an active, cell-mediated process involving increased turnover and remodelling of the tendon extracellular matrix. Degradation of the tendon matrix is mediated by a variety of metalloproteinase enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinases and 'aggrecanases'. Neuropeptides and other factors released by stimulated cells or nerve endings in or around the tendon might influence matrix turnover, and could provide novel targets for therapeutic intervention.

Aging↗

Risk analysis of occupational factors influencing the development of arthrosis of the knee.

The aim of this study was to identify occupational activities important for the development of arthrosis of the knee, taking into account the confounding factors that were suspected or could be recognized. In the archives of the Department of Diagnostic Radiology at the Malmö University Hospital all radiographs of weight-bearing knees of patients with painful knee joints from the period 1982-1986 were reassessed. We found 340 probands, i.e., subjects with arthrosis of the knee of at least grade 1 in the Ahlback classification. These probands and their age- and sex-matched controls (680) were analyzed by a validated questionnaire for details of activities at work inducing knee moment over three 15-year-periods as well as their history of knee injuries at work or in their leisure time. The questionnaire was answered by 266 (79%) arthrosis probands and 463 controls (70%). The results of the questionnaire answers and of the recorded history of knee injuries were statistically analyzed by logistic regression. The relative risk of knee arthrosis was slightly increased (RR: 1.9; CI: 1.4-2.7) in probands with weight-bearing knee bending, i.e., dynamic load of the knee joint when bending, whereas knee injuries (meniscectomies and haemarthrosis) were associated with a higher risk. Weight-bearing knee bending corrected for confounders was not a significant factor for knee arthrosis. Overweight was observed to increase the relative risk. A sedentary profession had, on the other hand, a low risk. The knee injuries (66) were, but for 9 probands, sustained in leisure activities, mainly soccer. We thus conclude that work which induces weight-bearing knee bending by itself does not significantly increase the risk of developing arthrosis of the knee - knee injuries and overweight are more important.

Aged↗

Occupational upper extremity conditions: a detailed analysis of work-related outcomes.

While work-related upper extremity conditions (WRUECs) cause almost 25% of lost time cases in the US, little is known about their long-term occupational consequences. A self-report survey was mailed to New Hampshire workers reporting a WRUEC one year prior to the study. Of the 72 (52%) valid respondents, 60% had lost > or = 1 week of work and 90% had returned to work. Almost 70% reported acute injury onset, and 26% had experienced a recurrence of their WRUEC. Both gradual-onset injuries and recurrences had worse outcomes. Recurrence was related to shorter job tenure, lower job satisfaction, and less satisfaction with medical care and insurer responses. Results imply that a single measure is insufficient to assess occupational outcomes subsequent to a WRUEC. The importance of secondary prevention was highlighted. There is a need for focus on gradual-onset injuries, as well as those acute-onset injuries with risk for recurrence.

Absenteeism↗

What affects return to work for graduates of a pain management program with chronic upper limb pain?

Chronic upper limb pain often causes work loss, and return to work after pain management is disappointingly low. This study aimed to identify patient characteristics and beliefs contributing to return to work or nonreturn. A total of 103 (66%) ex-patients with CULP, who had completed a pain management program, agreed to telephone interview. Participants were predominantly female and in middle years; 53.4% were working part- or full-time. Their responses were related to pre- and posttreatment psychological and disability variables. Those patients who had returned to work, compared to those who had not, were more likely to have been working shortly before treatment (chi 2 = 36.77, p < 0.00001). They were more psychologically robust and were more confident of managing pain (t = 4.55, p < 0.001), and catastrophized less (t = 2.21, p = 0.029). They were also more optimistic about being capable of work (u = 566, p < 0.0001) and of overcoming obstacles to work (u = 889, p = 0.0103). Workers and nonworkers were not differentiated by expectations of support from their immediate line manager, although nonworkers doubted support available from colleagues. Overall, despite generalization of pain management strategies in nonwork activity, return to work depended on specific beliefs concerning work-relevant strategies.

Absenteeism↗

The neuropsychology of heading and head trauma in Association Football (soccer): a review.

Association Football (soccer) is the most popular and widespread sport in the world. A significant proportion of the injuries suffered in football are head injuries involving trauma to the brain. In normal play, head trauma frequently arises from collisions, but some researchers have claimed that it also may arise as a consequence of heading the ball. Although assessments based on biomechanical analyses are equivocal on the potential for brain injury due to football heading, a growing literature seems to support the claim that neuropsychological impairment results from general football play and football heading in particular. However, this review suggests a distinction is required between the neuropsychological effects of concussive and subconcussive head trauma and that all of the neuropsychological studies conducted so far suffer from methodological problems. At best, a few of these studies may be regarded as exploratory. The review concludes that presently, although there is exploratory evidence of subclinical neuropsychological impairment as a consequence of football-related concussions, there is no reliable and certainly no definitive evidence that such impairment occurs as a result of general football play or normal football heading. The neuropsychological consequences of football-related subconcussive effects await confirmatory investigation.

Alcoholism↗

The effect of overuse activity on Achilles tendon in an animal model: a biomechanical study.

Musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries from athletic activities are common in the rotator cuff tendons, lateral epicondyle of the elbow, the patella tendon, and the Achilles tendon. Despite the fact that the Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the human body, it is frequently injured in the athletic setting. To study the etiology and pathogenesis of Achilles tendon injuries, our goal was to develop a model of Achilles tendon overuse by evaluating the Achilles tendons from animals subjected to the exercise protocol previously described as overuse for the supraspinatus tendon. We hypothesized that the same exercise protocol would produce injuries to the Achilles tendon as demonstrated by changes in the cross-sectional area and biomechanical properties. While a significant injury was induced into the supraspinatus tendon, we found no changes in the Achilles tendons of these exercised animals based on gross observation, geometric measurements, and mechanical testing analyses. Although surprising, there are many possible explanations for these findings including differences in potential injury mechanisms, functional capabilities of the differing tendons, and other factors.

Achilles Tendon↗