Functional disability

Background : Low back pain (LBP) can cause changes in muscle activity in affected individuals, making it difficult for them to contract their muscles effectively and engage in physical activities. Manual chiropractic techniques have been proposed as a potential solution to improve muscle orientation and function in individuals with LBP. Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of manual techniques on maximum muscle activity electromyography, functional disability, and pain in women with non-specific chronic low back pain. Materials and Methods: Twenty women between the ages of 30 and 50, who had been experiencing NSCLBP for over three months with no history of spinal surgery or postural abnormalities, and were able to perform daily activities after providing consent, were recruited from a sports medicine clinic to participate in the study. In the pre-test, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to assess functional disability, and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess pain levels. Additionally, the maximum muscle activity of the multifidus and lumbar quadratus lumborum (QL) was measured using EMG. Chiropractic manipulation techniques were then implemented in the experimental group, with three sessions per week for six weeks, within the clinic. The same tests were repeated in the post-test. The ANOVA test was used to compare the chiropractic and control groups, with a significance level of α ≤ 0.05. Results : The study results indicate that chiropractic manual techniques were effective in reducing lumbar EMG activity ( P = 0.0001), reducing pain index ( P = 0.002), and improving functional disability ( P = 0.001) significantly. Conclusion : The study findings suggest that six weeks of chiropractic manipulation techniques can induce a feeling of relaxation, reduce pain, and passively strengthen the lumbar muscles. These improvements in muscle condition and functional disability may lead to a reduction in pain experienced by individuals with NSCLBP.

Background: Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common complication that causes pain and disability, functional limitations and reduced quality of life. This syndrome is usually seen in people who are involved in activities and sports involving rotating movements above the head, including bodybuilders. Meanwhile, corrective exercises have been considered as an intervention in the rehabilitation of the condition. Exercises based on National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) principles are known as one of the new methods in the rehabilitation and prevention of sports injuries.Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect and permanence of corrective exercises on pain intensity, functional disability and kinematic parameters of bodybuilders with shoulder impingement syndrome.Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental research with a pre-test-post-test design, 20 male bodybuilders with shoulder impingement syndrome were randomly assigned in two groups; corrective exercises as the experimental group (n=10) and control group (n=10). Visual Analog Scale (VAS) questionnaire was used for pain intensity. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire was used for functional disability. Kinovea software was used to kinematic parameters. The evaluations carried out during three stages: the pre-test, the first post-test (after 8 weeks) and the second post-test (after 12 weeks). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level of 0.05 using SPSS version 20 software.Results: The findings showed that after 8 weeks of corrective exercises, there were significant changes in pain intensity and functional disability in the experimental group (P<0.05). Also, significant changes in shoulder biomechanical parameters during flexion, abduction, external rotation and internal rotation movements were observed between the two groups (P<0.05). Permanence of the exercises in the studied variables after 12 weeks showed a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05).Conclusion: According to the obtained results, it can be stated that a course of NASM exercises reduced shoulder pain, improved functional disability and improved kinematic parameters in male bodybuilders with shoulder impingement syndrome.