Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Chronic neck pain'

Background: Patients with chronic neck pain have a number of factors that could constitute a predisposition for respiratory dysfunction. However, the existing evidence is limited and not well established, and many questions such as the association of neck pain deficits with respiratory function remain unanswered. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether patients with chronic neck have accompanying respiratory dysfunction and which are the neck pain deficits which principally predispose to these respiratory disturbances.Methods: In this case-control observational study, 45 patients with chronic idiopathic neck pain (>6 months, at least once per week) and 45 healthy age-, gender-, height- and weight-matched controls were voluntarily recruited. A third group of 10 patients with chronic non-spinal musculoskeletal pain was also used, but only for future reference. Participants' neck muscle strength and endurance were measured by an isometric neck dynamometer and craniocervical flexion test respectively. Range of movement was assessed by using an ultrasound-based motion analysis system. Forward head posture was assessed by obtaining lateral photographs and calculating the craniovertebral angle. Disability and neck pain intensity were assessed through the Neck Disability Index and Visual Analogue Scale. Psychological assessment was performed by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. Spirometry was used for assessing pulmonary volumes, flows and maximal voluntary ventilation. Respiratory muscle strength was assessed by using a mouth pressure meter. Finally, PaCO2 was assessed by using transcutaneous blood gas monitoring.Results: Patients with chronic neck pain were found to have weaker respiratory muscles than healthy controls (p<0.05). Their pulmonary volumes and maximal voluntary ventilation were also found to be reduced (p<0.05). Their mean respiratory flows were found to be unaffected (p>0.05), whereas their peak flows were reduced (p<0.05). Their partial pressure of carbon dioxide was also found to be affected (p<0.05), revealing existence of hypocapnia (PaCO2<35mmHg). The neck pain deficits that were found to be mostly correlated with these respiratory parameters were the neck muscle strength, neck muscle endurance, kinesiophobia, catastrophizing and pain intensity (r>0.3, p<0.05). Finally, the regression models revealed that neck pain deficits and especially neck muscle strength can provide a quite generalizable accurate estimation of this respiratory dysfunction (R2=0.28-0.52).Conclusions: Patients with chronic neck pain present dysfunction of their respiratory system which can be mainly manifested as respiratory weakness and/or hypocapnia. Pain intensity, neck muscle weakness, fatigue and kinesiophobia seem to be the most important deficits predisposing to this respiratory dysfunction. The understanding of this dysfunction could have a great impact on various clinical aspects notably patient assessment, rehabilitation and drug prescription. However, further research is suggested mainly directed towards optimizing treatment protocols and developing classification systems improving clinical reasoning.

Chronic neck pain can occur in a proportion of individuals who have suffered a whiplash injury and also in individuals that have not experienced a trauma to the neck. The mechanisms that cause chronic pain are unclear, and whether they differ in traumatic or non-traumatic onset is unknown. A review of the background literature identified differences in muscle activation for individuals with chronic neck pain, following a whiplash injury and from a non traumatic onset, compared to healthy controls. However, differences in the combined action or synergy of superficial neck muscles in these chronic neck pain groups, during non-forced activities, had not been widely reported. A new methodology was developed to address this area of research. A pilot study was undertaken to establish the reliability of the method and to identify areas for refinement. The main study employed the refined methodology to determine possible differences in activation and synergies of the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles, alongside correlations of subjective pain and fatigue with surface electromyographic measures, using linear array electrodes. Some differences in muscles activation and synergy were observed between the groups. Individuals showed different strengths of relationships between subjective and objective measures and different proportions of significant correlations were shown between groups.

Prolonged computer work is associated with high rates of neck and shoulder pain symptoms, and as computers have become increasingly more common, it is becoming critical that we develop sustainable interventions targeting this issue. Static muscle contractions for prolonged periods often occur in the neck/shoulder during computer work and may underlie muscle pain development in spite of rather low relative muscle load levels. Causal mechanisms may include a stereotypical recruitment of low threshold motor units (activating type I muscle fibers), characterized by a lack of temporal as well as spatial variation in motor unit recruitment. Based on this theory, although studies have postulated that individuals with chronic neck-shoulder pain will show less variation in muscle activity compared to healthy individuals when engaged in repetitive/monotonous work, this has seldom been verified in empirical studies of actual computer work. Studies have rarely addressed temporal patterns in muscle activation, even though there is a consensus that temporal activation patterns are important for understanding fatigue and maybe even risks of subsequent musculoskeletal disorders. This study applied exposure variation analysis (EVA) to study differences in temporal patterns of trapezius muscle activity as individuals with and without pain performed computer work. The aims of this study were to: Assess the reliability of EVA to measure variation in trapezius muscle activity in healthy individuals during the performance of computer work; Determine the extent to which healthy subjects differ from those with chronic pain in trapezius muscle activity patterns during computer work, measured using EVA. Thirteen touch-typing, right-handed participants were recruited in this study (8 healthy; 5 chronic pain). The participants were asked to complete three 10-minute computer tasks (TYPE, CLICK and FORM) in two pacing conditions (self-paced, control-paced), with the healthy group completing two sessions and the pain group completing one. Activation of the upper trapezius muscle was measured using surface electromyography (EMG). EMG data were organized into 5x5 EVA matrices with five amplitude classes (0-6.67, 6.67-20, 20-46.67, 46.67-100, >100% Reference Voluntary Exertion) and five duration classes (0- 1, 1-3, 3-7, 7-15, >15 seconds). EVA marginal distributions (along both amplitude and duration classes) for each EVA class, as well as summary measures (mean and SD) of the marginal sums along each axis were computed. Finally, “resultant” mean and SD across all EVA cells were computed. The reliability in EVA indices was estimated using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV) and standard error of measurement (SEM), computed from repeated measurements of healthy individuals (aim 1), and EVA indices were compared between groups (aim 2). Reliability of EVA amplitude marginal sums ranged from moderate to high in the self-paced condition and low to moderate in the control-paced condition. The duration marginal sums were moderate in the self-paced condition and moderate to high in the control-paced condition. The summary measures (means and SDs) were moderate to high in both the self-paced and control-paced condition. Group comparisons revealed that individuals with chronic pain spent longer durations of work time in higher EVA duration categories, exhibited larger means along the amplitude, duration and in the resultant, and higher EVA SD in the amplitude and duration axes as compared to the healthy group. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report on the reliability of EVA applied specifically to computer work. Furthermore, EVA was used to assess differences in muscle activation patterns as individuals with and without chronic pain engaged in computer work. Individuals in the pain group seemed to exhibit prolonged sustained activation of the trapezius muscle to a significantly greater extent than controls, even though they did not experience pain during the performance of the computer tasks (as obtained through self-reports). Thus, these altered muscle recruitment patterns observed in the pain subjects, even in the absence of task-based pain/discomfort, are suggestive of chronic motor control changes occurring in adaptation to pain, and may have implications for the etiology of neck and upper-limb musculoskeletal disorders.
Master of Science
This study aims to assess the reliability of exposure variation analysis (EVA) to measure variation in trapezius muscle activity in healthy individuals during the performance of computer work, and to determine the extent to which healthy subjects differ from those with chronic pain in trapezius muscle activity patterns during computer work, measured using EVA. Muscle activation was recorded for eight healthy individual and five suffering from chronic neck-shoulder pain. The data were then categorized into amplitude and continuous time categories, and summary measures of resulting distributions were calculated. These measures were used to assess the reliability of participant responses to computer work of healthy individuals, as well as quantify differences between those with and without chronic pain. We found that individuals with pain activated their neck-shoulder muscles for longer continuous durations than healthy individuals, thus showing an inability to relax their muscles when performing work.

Chronic neck pain (CNP) is a common and disabling condition, accounting for substantial healthcare and societal costs. Previous studies have demonstrated that certain cognitive factors are related to levels of adjustment (levels of disability, pain and depression) in chronic pain conditions. However, this association has not been adequately explored in patients with CNP. The aim of study one was to determine the relationship between specific cognitive factors and levels of adjustment in participants with CNP. Furthermore, study two explored whether the relationship between the cognitive factors and levels of adjustment differed between those patients with idiopathic CNP and those with Chronic Whiplash Associated Disorder (CWAD). Finally, study three compared the efficacy of a physiotherapy led intervention, specifically designed to modify cognitive factors to a conventional physiotherapy intervention.Study one: Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed. Greater catastrophizing and lower functional self-efficacy beliefs were associated with greater levels of pain and disability. Additionally, lower functional self-efficacy beliefs were also associated with greater levels of depression. Study two: Data were dichotomised into two groups: those with CWAD and those with idiopathic CNP. T-tests were performed to compare differences in the cognitive scores and the same regression analyses as study one were performed for each sub-group. No significant differences existed between the two groups in terms of levels of pain, disability, depression or the cognitive factors. In both groups greater catastrophizing and lower functional self-efficacy beliefs were related to levels of disability. Likewise, lower self-efficacy beliefs were related to levels of depression in those participants with idiopathic CNP and those with CWAD. However, amongst those with idiopathic CNP, greater levels of catastrophizing and lower levels of pain vigilance and awareness were related to greater pain intensity. In contrast, amongst those with CWAD, none of the cognitive measures were significantly related to levels of pain intensity.Study three: Participants were randomly allocated to either a progressive neck exercise programme or an intervention which specifically targeted the modification of cognitive factors. T-tests revealed that treatment targeting cognitive factors resulted in greater improvements in pain and pain-related fear. Moreover, Χ2 tests revealed that a greater proportion of patients made clinically meaningful reductions in pain and disability in the group targeting cognitive factors. This thesis highlights that cognitive factors play an important role in determining levels of adjustment in patients with CNP. Furthermore, treatments designed to specifically target these factors result in superior clinical outcomes when compared to conventional physiotherapy interventions.

Chronic neck pain is a widespread problem that causes individual suffering as well as large costs for the society. The knowledge about the pathophysiology is poor and therefore specific diagnosis and causal treatment are rare. Important knowledge for characterization of the disorders has been gained from research on sensorimotor functions in people with neck pain. Moreover, rehabilitation regimes including sensorimotor exercises indicate promising results. The main objectives of this thesis were to extend the knowledge on sensorimotor dysfunctions in chronic neck pain, and to develop a new exercise method for improving sensorimotor functions of the neck. The studies focused on aspects of postural control and movements of the arm and neck. These are vital functions for many activities of daily living. People with chronic (>3 months) neck pain were compared to healthy controls (CON). Neck pain related to trauma was referred to as whiplash associated disorders (WAD), while neck pain without association to trauma was referred to as non-specific (NS). Arm-functioning was assessed in a pointing task. WAD and NS had reduced pointing precision compared to CON. The reduced precision was associated with self-rated difficulties performing neck movements, physical functioning, and in WAD, also pain and balance disturbances. Postural control was assessed in quiet standing on a force platform without vision. The center of pressure signal was decomposed into it’s slow and fast components. WAD and NS were compared to CON. The results revealed an effect of age on the magnitude of the fast sway component, but no effect of group. The magnitude of the slow component was elevated in both WAD and NS. This increase was associated with self-rated balance disturbance, arm-functioning, difficulties to run and sensory alterations in WAD, while in NS, the increase in the slow sway component was associated with concurrent low back pain. Neck movements were assessed in a cervical axial rotation test with maximal speed. In total 8 variables representing basic kinematics, including variables reflecting movement smoothness and conjunct motions were calculated. NS were compared to CON. Linear discriminant modelling indicated Peak Speed and conjunct motions as significant classification variables that together had a sensitivity of 76.3% and specificity of 77.6%. Retest reliability was good for Peak Speed but poor for the measure of conjunct motions. Peak Speed was slower in NS compared to CON, and even slower in a sub-group of NS with concurrent low back pain. Reduced Peak Speed was associated with self-rated difficulties performing neck movements, car driving, running, sleeping disturbances and pain. The clinical applicability of a novel method for neck coordination exercise was assessed in a pilot study on persons with NS. The results supported the applicability and indicated positive effects of the exercise: reduced postural sway in quiet standing and increased smoothness in cervical rotations. Indications on improvement in self-rated disability and fear of movement were seen at six months follow up. In conclusion, sensorimotor functions can be altered in chronic neck pain, particularly in neck disorders with concurrent low back pain and WAD. The discriminative ability and clinical validity displayed in pointing precision, postural sway and cervical axial rotation speed imply that such tests can be valuable tools in the assessment of chronic neck pain patients, and for selecting and evaluating treatment interventions. Indications of improvements seen in the pilot-study support a future RCT.

Introduction: Chronic pain after whiplash trauma (chronic WAD) to the neck is still a common clinical problem in terms of pain management, rehabilitation and insurance claims. In contrast to the increased knowledge concerning mechanisms of chronic pain in general, no clinical guidelines exist concerning assessment, pain control and rehabilitation of patients with chronic WAD. Aim: The general aim of this thesis was to use experimental techniques to better understand the complex mechanisms underlying chronic pain after whiplash trauma. The specific aims of papers I and II were mainly to use analgesic drugs with different target mechanisms alone or in combinations to assess their effects on pain intensity (VAS). Experimental pain techniques were used in all studies to assess deep tissue sensitivity (electrical, mechanical and chemical stimuli). Paper IV aimed at assessing deep tissue sensitivity to mechanical and chemical stimulation. The aim in paper III was to investigate if biochemical changes in interstitial muscle tissue (trapezius muscle) could be detected in WAD patients. Materials and Methods: The thesis is based on three different groups of patients with chronic WAD. In paper III and IV two different groups of healthy controls also participated. All patients were initially assessed in the pain and rehabilitation centre. In paper I (30 patients) and II (20 patients) two different techniques of drug challenges were used. In paper I: morphine, ketamine and lidocaine were used as single drugs. In paper II: remifentanil, ketamine and placebo were used in combinations and together with experimental pain assessments. Microdialysis technique was used in paper III (22 patients from study IV and 20 controls). In paper IV (25 patients and 10 controls) a new quantitative method, computerized cuff pressure algometry, was used in combination with intramuscular saline. In all papers, experimental pain techniques for deep tissue assessment (except cutaneous electrical stimulation in paper I) were used in different combinations: intramuscular hypertonic saline infusion, intramuscular electrical stimulation and pressure algometry. Results and Conclusion: There are multiple mechanisms behind chronic whiplash-associated pain, opioid sensitive neurons, NMDA-receptors and even sodium channels might play a part. A significant share of the patients were pharmacological non-responders to analgesic drugs targeting the main afferent mechanisms involved in pain transmission, this implies activation of different pain processing mechanisms (i.e. enhanced facilitation or changes in the cortical and subcortical neuromatrix). Experimental pain assessments and drug challenges together indicate a state of central hyperexcitability. Ongoing peripheral nociception (paper III), central sensitization and dysregulation of pain from higher levels in the nervous system may interact. These findings are likely to be present early after a trauma, however it is not possible to say whether they are trauma-induced or actually represents pre-morbid variations. Clinical trials with early assessments of the somatosensory system (i.e., using experimental pain) and re-evaluations, early intervention (i.e. rehabilitation) and intensified pain management could give further knowledge.

Background: It is well documented that high work stress and low job control is associated with increased risk of shoulder/neck pain while regular physical exercise reduces this risk. However, there is limited knowledge about the combined effect of work stress and physical exercise on risk of chronic pain in shoulders/neck. The first objective of this study was to investigate the role of work stress and physical exercise as individual risk factors for chronic shoulder/neck pain in a large unselected population of women and men. A second objective was to investigate the combined effect of work stress and physical exercise on risk of chronic shoulder/neck pain. Methods: The Nord-Trøndelag health study (the HUNT Study) was conducted in 1984-1986 (HUNT 1), with follow-up in 1995-1997 (HUNT 2). All women and men who participated in both surveys were included in the present study. After exclusions, the study population consisted of 12,530 women and 16,896 men for the analysis of work stress and job control on risk of chronic shoulder/neck pain, and 8,057 women and 11,028 men for the analysis including physical exercise. Relative risk (RR) of chronic shoulder/neck pain in HUNT 2 associated with work stress, job control, and physical exercise at baseline (HUNT 1) was estimated by a general lineal model. Results: At follow-up, 4,357 (34,7%) women and 4,470 (26.5%) men reported chronic shoulder/neck pain. Work stress showed a strong dose-response association with risk of chronic shoulder/neck pain (P-trend <.001) for both women and men. Women and men who reported to be exposed to work stress almost all the time had RRs of 1.32 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.11-1.58) and 1.68 (95% CI 1.41-2.00), respectively. The effect of job control on chronic shoulder/neck pain was weak, both among women and men. The different measures of physical exercise (i.e., frequency, duration, and intensity) all showed a moderate inverse dose-response effect on risk of chronic shoulder/neck pain in both women and men (10-20% reduced risk among the most active). The combined analysis showed that individuals who reported high stress levels and who exercised ≥2 sessions per week had a RR of 1.35 (95% CI 1.06-1.72) compared to a RR of 1.64 (95% CI 1.26-2.12) among inactive individuals with similar stress level. Conclusion: This prospective study indicates that women and men who perceive their work situation as stressful have an increased risk of chronic shoulder/neck pain. There was a moderate inverse relation between physical exercise and risk of chronic shoulder/neck pain for both women and men. Regular physical exercise can, to some extent, compensate for the adverse effect of work stress on risk of chronic shoulder/neck pain.

Introduction: Neck pain is a common problem in society and is more prevalent among women. The consequences of neck pain for the individual often include activity and participation limitations, thus affecting many dimensions of life. There is still a lack of understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the disorder and likewise of efficient rehabilitation for people with neck pain. However, coordination exercises have shown promising short-term effects. To carry this line of research forward, there is a need to improve methods for objective characterization of impairments and to investigate novel methods of rehabilitation. Aims: To characterize impairments of active cervical range of motion of the upper and lower cervical levels in women with chronic neck pain with a novel method (Study I and II) and identify the influence of head posture and movement strategies (Study II). Further, to investigate the effects of a novel method for neck coordination exercise on sensorimotor function and neck pain (study III) and the consistencies of motor variability metrics in a goal directed arm movement task to aid the design of future clinical research (Study IV). Methods: All studies were laboratory based with kinematic assessments of neck movements (Study I-III), balance (Study III) and goal directed arm movements (Study III, IV). The studies had designs that were: cross-sectional (I and II), randomized controlled trial (III) or test-retest reliability study (IV). Participants in Study I (n=135) and II (n=160) were women with chronic non-specific neck pain and healthy controls. In Study III, women with chronic non-specific neck pain (n=108) were randomized into three different individually supervised 11 week interventions. Study IV included healthy women (n=14). Results: It was found that cervical range of motion impairments in women with non-specific neck pain were direction- and level-specific; impairments were greater in extension in the upper and flexion in the lower levels of the cervical spine. The magnitude of impairments in range of motion was associated to self-ratings of functioning and health. Possible group differences in natural head posture were rejected as a cause for the direction specific effects. Neither could the effects be explained by a strategy to minimize torque in the cervical spine during movement execution. The neck coordination training was not superior to strength training (best-available) and massage treatment (sham) in improving sensorimotor functions or pain according to short-term and 6 months follow ups. The results from the study of the goal directed movement task showed that between and within-subject sizes of most motor variability metrics were too large to make the test suitable for application in clinical research. Conclusions: Women with chronic non-specific neck pain have direction- and level-specific impairments in cervical sagittal range of motion. The underlying causes of these specific impairments remains unresolved, but the direction specific impairments are not related to natural head posture. The clinical validity of the method of characterization of cervical range of motion was supported and it can be useful in future clinical research. The novel method of neck coordination exercise showed no advantages on sensorimotor functions or pain compared with best-available treatment in women with chronic non-specific neck pain.
Långvarig smärta i nacken är vanligt förekommande och orsakar både personligt lidande och stora kostnader för samhället. Långvariga nackbesvär är vanligare hos kvinnor än hos män. Det saknas kunskap om effektiva rehabiliteringsmetoder, men forskning har indikerat att träning som förbättrar nackens koordination kan vara effektivt. För att uppnå bättre rehabiliteringsresultat är det viktigt att utveckla metoder för att objektivt mäta funktionsnedsättningar och att utveckla samt utvärdera nya rehabiliteringsmetoder. Syftet med avhandlingen kan sammanfattas i tre delar: Att detaljerat mäta nedsättningar i nackens rörelseomfång hos kvinnor med långvarig nacksmärta; att utvärdera effekten av en ny metod för nackkoordinationsträning på rörelsefunktion och smärta hos kvinnor med långvarig nacksmärta; samt att utvärdera ett nytt test för att mäta precision och koordination vid målriktade armrörelser och ämnat för framtida klinisk forskning. Resultaten visade att kvinnor med långvarig nacksmärta hade specifika nedsättningar i nacken rörelseomfång; i övre nackregionen var bakåtböjning mer begränsad medan i nedre nackregionen var framåtböjning mer begränsad. Vi kunde utesluta att resultaten berodde på skillnader i huvudets normala hållning. Graden av rörelsebegränsning i nacken uppvisade samband med personernas självskattade funktion, symtom och hälsa. Nackkoordinationsträningen var inte var bättre än styrketräning eller massage för att förbättra rörelsefunktion eller för att minska smärta. Det nya testet för armrörelser var inte lämpat för kliniska studier av rörelseprecision. Slutsatserna från avhandlingsarbetet är att kvinnor med långvarig nacksmärta har begränsningar i nackens rörelseomfång vid framåt- och bakåtböjning av huvudet som är specifika vad gäller nivå i halsryggen och riktning. Att graden av rörelsebegränsning uppvisade samband med självskattad funktion, symtom och hälsa styrker testets kliniska validitet. Ytterligare forskning behövs för att förstå orsakerna bakom de specifika nedsättningarna. Nackkoordinationsträningen som utvärderades kan inte rekommenderas för kvinnor med långvarig nacksmärta eftersom korttidsuppföljning och 6-månadersuppföljning visade att träningsformen inte var bättre än styrketräning eller massage, vare sig när det gällde att förbättra sensomotorisk funktion eller att minska smärta.

Neck-shoulder pain (NSP) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal disorder with unclear causes, and effective prevention and treatment require a further understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Aberrant autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation is a hypothesized causal element in the development and maintenance of chronic muscle pain. The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate possible differences in ANS regulation between chronic NSP and healthy control (CON) groups using both laboratory assessment and ambulatory monitoring in daily life. Four papers are included in this thesis, based on data from three groups with chronic NSP. Autonomic responses to laboratory stressors were assessed using heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure, trapezius muscle activity and blood flow measurements (Study І) in NSP and CON. Long-term ambulatory monitoring of HRV, physical activity and perceived symptoms were assessed in Studies ІІ and IV to investigate group differences in real-life conditions. Finally, the effects of a ten-week intervention (using individually adjusted HRV biofeedback) to reinstating ANS balance in subjects with chronic NSP were evaluated using self-reported symptoms and health ratings, as well as autonomic regulation testing (i.e., evaluating HRV at rest and in response to stress) (Study ІІІ). The main findings from the four studies demonstrated aberrant ANS regulation in the NSP group compared to CON, which was predominantly characterized by diminished parasympathetic cardiac activity during rest and sleep, and altered sympathetic reactivity to laboratory stressors (Studies І, ІІ and IV). Different patterns in physical activity were observed between the NSP and CON groups, with reduced physical activity during leisure time in the NSP group (Studies ІІ and IV). Physical activity was found to be positively associated with HRV. Positive effects of HRV-biofeedback were found on perceived health, including social function, vitality and bodily pain, and improved HRV (Study ІІІ). In conclusion, imbalanced ANS regulation was demonstrated among persons with chronic NSP at both the systemic and local levels. Diminished parasympathetic activity in NSP was modulated by lower levels of physical activity in leisure time. Interventions targeting ANS functions might benefit persons with chronic NSP.

There are numerous indications of possible involvement of the autonomic nervous system in the genesis of chronic pain. The possibility exists that sympathetic activation is related to motor dysfunction and changes in sensory processing, which have otherwise been implicated in musculoskeletal disorders. The primary aim of the thesis has been to investigate autonomic regulation at rest and in response to laboratory tests of autonomic function in subjects suffering from chronic pain in different localisations (lower back, neck-shoulder and neck-jaw), as well as to study the relations between autonomic regulation, proprioceptive acuity and clinical data. Secondary aim has been to assess autonomic regulation in fit, pain-free subjects in response to experimentally induced pain and in occupationally relevant settings. A total of 194 subjects suffering from chronic pain participated [low back pain (LBP) n=93; non-traumatic neck pain (NT) n=40, Whiplash associated disorder (WAD) n=40, Whiplash with temporomandibular dysfunction (WADj) n=21]. Each chronic pain group was subjected to a battery of autonomic function tests combining cognitive (Stroop Colour-Word conflict tests), physical (handgrip), sensory (unpleasant sound) and motor tasks (chewing tests) as well as the activation of reflex pathways (paced breathing and the orthostatic test) and compared to an age- and gender balanced control group. Autonomic regulation was also assessed in exposure to experimentally induced muscle pain in healthy subjects (n=24) in order to describe acute pain reaction. Further assessment was carried out during monotonous repetitive work and dynamic work in healthy subjects (n=10) and in a three-day monitoring of ambulance personnel (n=26) in occupational settings. Autonomic regulation was evaluated using cardiovascular (heart rate and heart rate variability, local blood flow and blood pressure), respiratory (breathing rate) electrodermal (skin conductance), muscular (trapezius and masseter EMG) and biochemical (insulin, cortisol, catecholamines) variables. Proprioceptive acuity was assessed using active-active repositioning tests. Pain levels were assessed using Visual-analogue or Numerical Rating scales. General health was evaluated through the Short-Form SF-36 Health Related Quality of Life questionnaire and Self-Efficacy Score questionnaires, whereas dysfunction was evaluated using the Oswestry Low Back Pain questionnaire, Pain Disability and Neck Disability Index questionnaires, the McKenzie evaluation and primary healthcare diagnoses. Self-reports of pain, stress and exertion were acquired prior to, during and post-testing. Chronic pain subjects were characterised by increased sympathetic and decreased parasympathetic activity as reflected in heart rate (LBP, WAD, WADj), heart rate variability (LBP, WAD, WADj), blood pressure (WADj) and electrodermal activity (LBP). In general, WAD showed more pain and dysfunction than NT, with lower self-efficacy and health-related quality of life. Differential reactivity was observed only in WAD, with increased responsiveness to sensory stimuli (heart rate variability, electrodermal activity), and motor tasks (heart rate) and a decreased response to cognitive challenge (heart rate variability, electrodermal activity). A significant part of WADj subjects showed sensorimotor impairment and low endurance in chewing tests, concomitant with a cardiovascular response that correlated with pain levels. Proprioceptive acuity was not found to be impaired among subjects suffering from chronic pain, and there were no indications of significant individual response specificity. Response to experimentally induced muscle pain in healthy subjects was also characterised by a prominent cardiovascular component. In simulated occupational settings autonomic activation and transient insulin resistance were detected in healthy subjects following monotonous repetitive work, with no similar effects following dynamic exercise. Modest deviations in circadian heart rate variability patterns during workdays were detected in ambulance personnel reporting more pronounced musculoskeletal symptoms, with no such effects on work-free days. Autonomic balance observed in chronic pain subjects was characterised by a trend towards increased sympathetic activity in comparison with pain-free controls. Moderate signs of affected reactivity to autonomic function tests were observed in patients with WAD, however no specific reaction patterns have been observed in any chronic pain group. Correspondence between the intensity of pain and autonomic activity was observed in acute pain and in chronic pain groups characterised by higher pain levels. As indicated by autonomic and neurohormonal changes in the recovery from real and simulated work, further studies with physiological monitoring of the effects of work-related stress are warranted for better understanding of the mechanism of musculoskeletal disorders.

The purpose of this study was to observe the joint reposition error and tactile acuity of patients with chronic mild to moderate neck pain and compare those values to healthy controls to further investigate the effect of neck pain on neck function and the need for sensorimotor training in patients with chronic neck pain. In spite of some inconsistencies in the literature and methodology, both the two-point discrimination test and the joint reposition error test can give clinicians valuable, inexpensive and quick objective data that can be used in the diagnostic portion of an examination as well as in designing and assessing change during a rehabilitation program. This study found a significant increase in neck joint reposition error (JRE) in flexion in participants suffering from neck pain when compared to healthy controls. JRE averaged 2.75° ± 1.52° in flexion healthy controls and 4.53° ± 1.74° in flexion in participants with chronic neck pain. Additionally, the dermatome found to be most affected by neck pain was C5. Further research is needed to examine both the effect of proprioceptive training on neck pain and the effectiveness of the two-point discrimination threshold test and the joint reposition error test as diagnostic tools and indicators of progress in the treatment of chronic neck pain.

The majority of people can expect to experience neck pain in their lifetime and some will go on to develop prolonged or repetitive episodes of neck pain or related symptoms. These persistent complaints have become a major cause of disability around the world. Although chronic ‘mechanical’ neck pain can be defined in clinical terms, the underlying pathology remains unclear. Research has failed to demonstrate a consistent relationship between the presence of neck pain and pathology such as degenerative changes. As such, there has been an increasing interest in altered neuro-muscular-articular function in the pathogenesis of neck pain. Over the last 17 years, the role of cervical proprioceptive (mechanoreceptive) dysfunction in the perpetuation of chronic neck pain has received increasing attention from researchers and clinicians. This is commonly referred to as cervicocephalic kinaesthetic sensibility (KS). Cervicocephalic KS has generally been studied utilising head repositioning accuracy (HRA) tasks. At the beginning of this study only seven reports had been published in the area. Following review of this literature, several focused areas of interest were apparent for further study - 1) comparison of KS in various patient subgroups (e.g., insidious onset vs ‘whiplash’); 2) development of more sophisticated methods of measuring head movement and repositioning errors; 3) establishing the characteristics of the tests such as method agreement and reliability; 4) comparison of the discriminative value of repositioning tasks to both subjective ‘straight ahead’ (SSA) and to non-neutral set points within the cervical range of motion (non-straight ahead or nSA). Investigation 1 used a laser pointer method to study head repositioning errors in patients with chronic neck pain of insidious onset. The results suggested that these patients with chronic neck pain show little evidence of impaired cervicocephalic KS, when measured as HRA-SSA. The study also served to highlight several difficulties with the laser pointer method of measurement and the relatively poor knowledge of HRA in healthy subjects. Most previous studies used the mean of 10 repetitions for the measurement but more recent studies utilised fewer repetitions. Although the laser pointer method is simple, inexpensive and easy to use, the method involves a degree of experimenter bias and inaccuracy. It also does not lend itself to concurrent evaluation of variables such as range of motion and speed of head movement. Investigations 2 & 3 focused on the development of the testing method and the introduction of the Zebris CMS 70P ultrasound system for the recording of HRA-SSA, namely; method agreement between a 5 and 10 repetition measuring protocol; method agreement between the laser pointer and Zebris system; the intra/inter-examiner reliability of measurement methods. The Zebris system results suggested that the two methods of measurement agree sufficiently well for the 5 repetition method to replace the 10 repetition method to obtain a mean HRA score and that both could be used interchangeably. Further results suggested that the Zebris and laser pointer methods do not agree sufficiently well to be used interchangeably. The test-retest reliability was comparable between both methods suggesting that from this perspective, either could be used for measuring HRA-SSA. The inter-rater test-retest reliability was comparable to the test-retest reliability suggesting that trained examiners could be interchanged when carrying out repeated measurements. Investigation 4, the final study in this thesis, investigated HRA with the Zebris system using the 5 repetition protocol in two groups of chronic neck pain patients; insidious onset and neck pain from a ‘whiplash’ injury. The results suggested that patients with chronic neck pain of both insidious onset and from a ‘whiplash’ injury show little evidence of impaired cervicocephalic KS when measured using HRASSA and nSA tests. These results conflict with previous studies Despite numerous investigations over the last 17 years, a test that can be routinely applied in the clinical setting for the purposes of diagnosis and treatment monitoring has not been established. Studies to date suggest that an active HRA test to SSA/NHP that is established by the patient may have the greatest discriminative value. Although HRA testing shows some promise in identifying deficits in ‘whiplash’ patients, it is unlikely that the KS tests identify specific subgroups of chronic neck pain patients. There have been several contradictory studies which have shown considerable overlap between patient and healthy groups. It is also unlikely that HRA tests represent a unique test of cervical proprioceptive function (peripheral or central integration) and therefore provide a test exclusive to neck disorders.

The present study, based on a battery of instruments measuring pain in different dimensions, covering neurophysiological, psychological, functional and health-related domains, investigated chronic non-specific neck-shoulder pain as a multidimensional phenomenon of pain. Applications to the gate control theory of pain and the fear-avoidance model were examined and discussed. The participants were Swedish women, 25-65 years of age with chronic non-specific neck-shoulder pain (NS) and age-matched healthy controls (CON), n =117 and n = 33 respectively. The study was a randomized controlled mixed design with three different interventions (strength training, neck coordination training and massage). Baseline testing were assessed followed by interventions for 11 weeks and subsequent post-tests, 6-months- and 12-months- follow-up tests. The results demonstrated significant differences between the NS group and the CON group in muscle tenderness, psychological well-being, depression and health-related quality of life before intervention. No significant differences were revealed in analyses in neck disability or depression taking level of kinesiophobia and active versus passive treatment into account. This lack of unambiguous support to the fear avoidance model demonstrates the complexity between these dimensions and call for further investigations. Taken together, the results of the present study support the multidimensionality of pain in the NS participants and implicate that the fear-avoidance model and the gate control theory of pain may provide some explanation to these aspects.

Keywords: chronic non-specific neck-shoulder pain, multidimensional pain, kinesiophobia, catastrophizing, health, depression

Este estudo avaliou os músculos esternocleidomastoideo (ECM) e trapézio (TRZ) em mulheres com dor crônica cervical, antes e após o tratamento com acupuntura, por meio da atividade eletromiográfica (EMG) e limiar de dor à pressão (LDP). As mulheres foram recrutadas no Serviço de Dor Orofacial e Disfunção Temporomandibular da Clinica de Pacientes com Necessidades Especiais (DAPE) da FORP-USP. Foram selecionadas 25 mulheres diagnosticadas com DTM muscular (DC/TMD) associadas aos sintomas de dor na região cervical. As avaliações iniciais e finais incluíram os registros de EMG e o do LDP, utilizando o eletromiógrafo (MyoSystem - Br1) e o algômetro digital (Kratos), respectivamente. As avalições das atividades EMG normalizadas foram realizadas nas seguintes condições: repouso (4s), apertamento dental em contração voluntária máxima (fator de normalização) (4s), elevação dos ombros (4s), rotação do pescoço para o lado direito (4s), rotação do pescoço para o lado esquerdo (4s) e crucifixo (4s). O tratamento com acupuntura foi realizado em dez sessões, duas vezes por semana, com trinta minutos de duração. O protocolo de atendimento foi realizado pelos pontos na região da face (E6, E7, ID18, ID19, VB20, VB14, TA17, HN3, VG26) e pontos nos membros inferiores e superiores (F3, B60, BP6, E36, IG4,VB34). Os exames finais da atividade eletromiográfica e LDP foram executados após 15 dias do término do tratamento. As médias eletromiográficas e do LDP foram tabuladas e submetidas a analise estatística por meio do teste t independente (SPSS 21.0; p ≤ 0,05). Os resultados eletromiográficos apresentaram alterações nos músculos ECMD, ECME, TRZD e TRZE. Houve diferença estatística significante (p ≤ 0,05) nas condições de elevação dos ombros para o TRZE e rotação do pescoço para o lado direito no ECME. Os valores do LDP apresentaram leituras maiores após o tratamento com acupuntura. Baseados nesses resultados, concluiu-se que o tratamento com acupuntura melhorou a atividade dos músculos cervicais e aumentou a tolerância de dor das mulheres com dor cervical crônica.
This study evaluated the sternocleidomastoid (ECOM) and trapezius (TZR) in women with cervical chronic pain before and after the acupuncture treatment, through electromyographic (EMG) activity and pressure pain threshold (PPT). Women were recruited in Orofacial Pain Service and Temporomandibular Dysfunction Patient Clinic with Special Needs (EDS) FORPUSP. We selected 25 women diagnosed with muscular TMD (DC / TMD) associated with symptoms of pain in the cervical region. The initial and final evaluations included the EMG records and the LDP, using electromyography (Myosystem - Br1) and digital algometry (Kratos), respectively. Evaluations of EMG activities were normalized performed under the following conditions: rest (4s), teeth clenching in maximal voluntary contraction (normalization factor) (4s), high shoulder (4s), neck rotation to the right (4s), neck rotation to the left (4s) and crucifix (4s). The acupuncture treatment was performed on ten sessions, twice a week, thirty minutes. The treatment protocol was carried out by the points on the face of the region (E6, E7, ID18, ID19, VB20, VB14, TA17, HN3, VG26) and points in the lower and upper limbs (F3, B60, BP6, E36, IG4,VB34 ). Final exams electromyographic activity and LDP were executed 15 days after the end of treatment. Electromyographic medium and the LDP were tabulated and submitted to statistical analysis, using independent t-test (SPSS 21.0; p ≤ 0.05). The electromyographic results showed changes in ECMD muscles, ECME, TRZD and TRZE. There was a statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in the lifting conditions of the shoulders to the TRZE and rotation of the neck to the right in ECME. The values LDP showed higher readings after acupuncture treatment. Based on these results, it was concluded that acupuncture treatment improved the activity of the neck muscles and increased pain tolerance of women with chronic neck pain

RESUMO: Introdução/Objectivo: A influência dos factores psicossociais, e nomeadamente da catastrofização da dor, na percepção da intensidade da dor e na incapacidade funcional, auto-reportada por indivíduos com dor crónica cervical (DCC), tem sido alvo de estudo em vários países, evidenciando o constructo multidimensional da DCC. Neste sentido, esta investigação pretende estudar se a catastrofização da dor, é uma variável preditiva relativamente à percepção da intensidade da dor, e à incapacidade funcional. Secundariamente procurou-se averiguar se as relações encontradas se mantêm estáveis antes e após exposição a uma intervenção em fisioterapia. Metodologia: Neste estudo participaram 40 indivíduos com DCC de origem músculo-esquelética e causa não traumática, que foram expostos a uma intervenção em fisioterapia no Centro de Medicina de Reabilitação do Alcoitão e na Clinica AlcaisFisio, que cumpriram os critérios de inclusão e aceitarem participar livremente no mesmo. A recolha de dados realizou-se em dois momentos distintos, antes e após exposição à intervenção em fisioterapia. A catastrofização da dor foi avaliada por meio da Escala de Catastrofização da Dor (PCS), a intensidade da dor pela Escala Numérica da Dor (END), sendo realizada a medição da incapacidade funcional através do Neck Disability Index versão Portuguesa (NDI-PT). A análise estatística incluiu duas fases: fase descritiva e fase inferencial. Foram desenvolvidos modelos de regressão linear com vista a testar o poder preditivo da catastrofização da dor sobre a intensidade da dor e a incapacidade funcional. O nível de significância para o qual os valores se consideraram satisfatórios foi de p<0,05. O tratamento dos dados foi realizado no software PASW versão 18. Resultados: Observou-se que existe uma relação moderada, positiva e significativa, nos dois momentos de avaliação, entre a catastrofização da dor e a percepção da intensidade da dor (p<0,001), apresentando um poder preditivo de 27,9% e 46,7%, das pontuações da intensidade da dor, antes e após exposição à intervenção em fisioterapia, espectivamente. Observou-se que a catastrofização da dor tem uma relação forte, positiva e significativa com a incapacidade funcional, nos dois momentos de avaliação (p<0,001), predizendo 51,8% e 61,8%, das pontuações da incapacidade funcional, antes e após exposição à intervenção em fisioterapia, respectivamente. Conclusão: A catastrofização da dor é um factor psicossocial que apresenta relação moderada com a percepção da intensidade da dor, e forte com a incapacidade funcional auto-reportada por indivíduos com DCC de origem músculo-esquelética e causa não traumática, antes e após exposição à intervenção em fisioterapia. Os resultados do estudo sugerem, assim, uma importante influência da catastrofização da dor sobre a percepção da intensidade da dor e a incapacidade funcional em indivíduos com DCC, realçando o constructo multidimensional da DCC. ------------ABSTRACT: Background and Purpose: The influence of psychosocial factors, particularly, the pain catastrophizing, on pain intensity and functional disability in individuals with chronic neck pain (CNP) has been report among recent research literature. The first aim of this research was to verify the predictive value of pain catastrophizing on pain intensity and patient’s functional disability. Secondly it aimed to verify the stability of these relations before and after a physiotherapy treatment. Methodology: A sample of 40 subjects with CNP of musculoskeletal and non-traumatic causes was recruited from the patient’s list of two private clinics in Lisbon district following verification of the inclusion criteria. All participants agree to participate in the study and signed a consent form. Data was collected immediately before and after a period of physiotherapy treatment. Pain catastrophizing was assessed by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS-PT), patient perception of pain intensity was measured by the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and functional disability was measured through the Neck Disability Index (NDI-PT). Data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Linear regression models were developed in order to test the predictive power of pain catastrophizing on pain intensity and functional disability. The minimal level of significance established was p<0,05. Data analysis was performed using the software PASW version 18. Results: A positive moderate relationship between pain catastrophizing and pain intensity was founded in both moments, before and after physiotherapy intervention, of data collection (p<0,001) with a predictive power of 27,9% and 46,7%, respectively. A positive strong relationship between pain catastrophizing and functional disability was founded in both moments, before and after physiotherapy intervention, of data collection (p<0,001), with a predictive power of 51,8% and 61,8%, respectively. Conclusion: Pain catastrophizing is a psychosocial factor that is correlated moderately with the perception of pain intensity and strongly with self-reported functionaldisability for individuals with CNP musculoskeletal origin and non-traumatic causes,before and after a physiotherapy intervention. The results of this study suggest that pain catastrophizing has an important influence on the report levels of pain intensity and functional disability in CNP patients. These results also emphasize the multidimensional nature of chronic neck pain.

Introdução: A prevalência de disfunção musculoesquelética entre trabalhadores usuários de computador (TUC) pode variar entre 10 a 62% e os lugares mais acometidos são os membros superiores, pescoço, cabeça e a coluna vertebral. As queixas musculoesqueléticas nesses trabalhadores apresentam etiologia multifatorial e dentre as principais causas é possível citar aspectos posturais e fatores psicossociais. O Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ-Br) é uma das poucas ferramentas existentes na literatura para avaliar aspectos ergonômicos e psicossociais relacionados ao trabalho com uso do computador. A dor cervical é a queixa musculoesquelética mais comum em trabalhadores de escritório usuários de computador. A coexistência entre dor cervical e disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) é comumente citada na literatura. A adoção da postura em anteriorização da cabeça para uso do computador pode estar associada ao aparecimento de sintomas orofaciais e cervicais. A posição sentada é a mais adotada nos ambientes de trabalho especialmente quando este envolve o uso de computador, entretanto, a manutenção dessa posição por tempo prolongado pode acarretar a adoção de posturas inadequadas e intensificar a sobrecarga nas estruturas do sistema musculoesquelético. Desta forma, a manutenção da postura sentada pode estar relacionada ao desenvolvimento de alterações de postura corporal, DTM e disfunção cervical. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar associações entre dor cervical, DTM e alterações na postura estática em trabalhadores de escritório usuários de computador com e sem relato de dor cervical crônica. Material e Métodos: A amostra desse estudo foi selecionada a partir da aplicação do Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire que contempla 7 domínios (posto de trabalho, postura corporal, controle do trabalho, demanda de trabalho, pausas, ambiente de trabalho e suporte social), preenchidos por trabalhadores usuários de computador. Participaram deste estudo 52 mulheres trabalhadoras de escritório usuárias de computador em dois grupos: Grupo com dor cervical crônica e incapacidade (GD, n=26 - 36.50 anos - IC95%: 33.40-36.60; 66.37 kg - IC 95%: 62.48-70.26 e 1.62 m - IC95%: 1.60-1.65) e Grupo sem relato de dor cervical (GS, n=26 - 33.81 anos - IC 95%: 33.66-36.95, 71.75 kg - IC95%: 65.90-77.60 e 1.64 m - IC95%: 1.62-1.67). Como critérios de inclusão as funcionárias deveriam exercer a mesma função há pelo menos 12 meses (GD, 110 meses - IC95%: 73-147 /GS, 91 meses - IC95%:63-119) e utilizar o computador ao menos 4 horas por dia durante a jornada de trabalho (GD, 7.46 horas/dia - IC95%: 7.10-7.83 /GS, 7.58 horas/dia - IC95%: 7.23-7.92). No grupo com dor cervical crônica as trabalhadoras deveriam apresentar relato positivo de dor crônica cervical e se enquadrarem nos seguintes critérios: a) dor cervical há pelo menos 3 meses; b) dor de intensidade 3 na maioria dos dias em uma escala numérica de dor (END) (0 a 10, sendo 0 = sem dor e 10 = pior dor possível) e c) limitação funcional, pelo menos leve, no Índice de incapacidade relacionada ao pescoço (NDI): 10-28% (5-14 pontos) - incapacidade leve; 30-48% (15- 24 pontos) - incapacidade moderada; 50-68% (25 35 pontos) - incapacidade severa;72% ou mais (36 pontos ou mais) incapacidade completa. Foram realizadas avaliações clínicas para diagnóstico da DTM por meio do Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD), avaliação da dor cervical e mastigatória através da palpação manual e algometria por pressão para obtenção do limiar de dor por pressão (LDP) de estruturas crânio-cervicais, bem como avaliação da postura corporal estática dessas trabalhadoras usando a fotogrametria. Os dados demonstraram distribuição normal de acordo com o teste Shapiro Wilks. O teste-t de student para amostras independentes (p<0.05) foi utilizado para comparar a pontuação máxima de cada domínio do MUEQ-Br entre os grupos sem e com dor cervical crônica. Para verificar diferenças entre os valores médios de LDP e palpação muscular entre os grupos de trabalhadores sem dor e com dor cervical crônica e para verificar diferenças entre os ângulos posturais foi utilizado também o teste-t de Student. Para análise das associações entre as variáveis disfunção temporomandibular, incapacidade relacionada à disfunção cervical, cervicalgia e aspectos do trabalho (domínios do MUEQ) foi utilizada a análise de regressão linear múltipla. Para verificação de diferenças entre valores de porcentagem foi utilizado o teste de Qui-quadrado (p<0.05). O pacote estatístico utilizado foi o SPSS versão 22. Resultados: Os resultados deste estudo demonstraram que ao compararmos os domínios do MUEQ-Br, o grupo com dor cervical crônica obteve maior pontuação no domínio postura corporal (GD, 12.58 - IC95%: 11.21-13.94/ GS, 9.42 - IC95%: 8-10.84) e no item queixas (GD, 17.46- IC95%: 14.17-20.75/ GS, 8.58 - IC95%: 6.14-11.02), bem como na pontuação total do questionário (GD, 40.08 - IC95%: 35.01-45.15/ GS, 33.31 - IC95%: 28.99-37.63). Os voluntários com dor cervical apresentaram maior porcentagem de diagnósticos de DTM quando comparados com o grupo sem dor (42.30% vs. 23.07%, p<0.05). O grupo com dor apresentou maior intensidade de dor na palpação manual dos músculos cervicais, trapézio (ponto médio) lado direito (GD, 4.03 - IC95%: 3.02-5.06/ GS, 1.46 - IC95%: 0.69-2.23) e suboccipitais direito (GD, 2.58 - IC95%: 1.64-3.51/ GS, 1.0 - IC95%: 0.42-1.58) e esquerdo (GD, 2.15 - IC95%: 1.21-3.09/ GS, 1.0 - IC95%: 0.46-1.54), porém os valores do LDP não foram significativos para nenhum dos músculos avaliados entre os grupos com e sem dor cervical crônica. Também não foram encontradas diferenças significativas na avaliação postural entre os grupos para os ângulos analisados no plano frontal face e vista anterior e para os ângulos analisados no plano sagital. Na análise de associação entre as variáveis, foi observado que quando a incapacidade foi considerada variável dependente em relação à cervicalgia, total da pontuação do MUEQ-Br (aspectos de trabalho) e DTM, foi observado um R2 = 0.93 e todos os preditores mostraram-se significativos no modelo. Nossos resultados demonstram que a incapacidade cervical é influenciada pela DTM, dor no pescoço e aspectos físicos e psicossociais relacionados ao trabalho com uso do computador. Os trabalhadores com dor cervical apresentaram maior porcentagem de diagnósticos de DTM quando comparados com o grupo de trabalhadores sem dor, bem como a intensidade da dor à palpação dos músculos cervicais mostrou-se significativamente maior nos trabalhadores usuários de computador com dor cervical. Assim, é possível sugerir uma associação entre relato de dor cervical, incapacidade cervical e DTM no contexto de trabalho envolvendo o computador em mulheres com dor relato de dor cervical crônica.
Introduction: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among computer office workers (COW) can vary between 10-62% and the most affected regions affected are the upper extremities, neck, head and spine. Musculoskeletal complaints in these workers have a multifactorial etiology and the main causes are postural aspects and psychosocial factors. The Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ-Br) is one of the few tools available in the literature to evaluate ergonomic and psychosocial aspects of work related to computer use. Neck pain is the most common musculoskeletal complaints in COW. Coexistence between neck pain and Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are commonly cited in the literature. The adoption of forward head posture for computer use may be linked to the onset of orofacial symptoms. The sitting position is the most widely adopted in the workplace especially when it involves the use of computer, however, to maintain this position for long periods, the adoption of awkward postures could be necessary, increasing the strain on the musculoskeletal system structures. Thus, maintenance of sitting posture may be related to the development of changes in body posture, TMD and neck disorders. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine associations between neck pain, TMD and changes in static body posture on COW with and without chronic neck pain. Material and Methods: The sample of this study was selected from the application of the Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire which includes seven domains (work station, body posture, job control, job demands, break time, work environment and social support). The study included 52 women which work using computer into two groups: Group with chronic neck pain and disability (NPG, n = 26 - 36.50 years confidence interval 95% (CI): 33.40-36.60; 66.37 kg -CI: 62.48-70.26 and 1.62m - 95% CI: 1.60-1.65) and group without neck pain (WONPG, n = 26 - 33.81 years - CI: 33.66-36.95, 71.75 kg - CI: 65.90-77.60 m and 1.64 - CI: 1.62-1.67). As criteria inclusion, the employees should exercise the same function for at least 12 months (NPG, 110 months - CI: 73-147 / WONPG, 91 months - CI: 63-119) and use the computer for at least 4 hours day during the work day (NPG, 7:46 hours / day - CI: 7.10-7.83 / WONPG, 7:58 hours/day - CI: 7.23-7.92). In the group with chronic neck pain workers should present a positive report of chronic neck pain and falling within the criteria: a) neck pain for at least 3 months; b) pain intensity 3 on most days on a numerical pain scale (NPS) (0-10, where 0 = no pain and 10 = worst possible pain) and c) Neck pain related disability at least mild in the Neck Disability Index (NDI): 10-28% (5-14 points) - mild disability; 30-48% (15- 24 points) - moderate disability; 50-68% (25 - 35 points) - severe disability, 72% or more (36 or more points) - Complete. Clinical assessments for diagnosis of TMD was conducted using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD), evaluation of masticatory and neck pain through manual palpation and algometry pressure to obtain the pressure pain threshold (PPT) of craniocervical structures as well as evaluation of the static body posture by the use of photogrammetry. The data showed normal distribution according to the Shapiro Wilks test. The Student\'s t-test for independent samples (p <0.05) was used to compare the maximum score for each domain MUEQ-Br between the groups with and without chronic neck pain. Differences between the mean values of LDP and muscle tenderness between groups of workers without pain and chronic neck pain and to check for differences between the postural angles were verified by student t-test. For analysis of associations between TMD, disability related to neck pain, neck pain and \"aspects of the job\" (domains of MUEQ) a multivariate regression analysis was used. Differences between the percentage values were verified using chi-square test (p <0.05). The statistical package used was SPSS version 22. Results: The results showed that when comparing the domains of MUEQ-Br, the group with chronic neck pain scored highest in the area posture (NPG, 12.58 points - CI: 11.21-13.94 / WONPG, 9.42 - CI: 8-10.84) and complaints item (NPG, 17.46 - CI: 14.17-20.75 / WONPG, 8.58 - CI: 6.14 -11.02), and the total score of the questionnaire (NPG, 40.08 - CI: 35.01-45.15 / WONPG, 33.31 points - CI: 28.99-37.63). The volunteers with neck pain showed a higher percentage of diagnoses of TMD when compared with the group without pain (42.30% vs. 23:07%, p <0.05). The group with pain had higher pain intensity on manual palpation of the neck muscles, trapezius (midpoint) right (NPG, 4.03 - CI: 3.02-5.06 / WONPG, 1.46 - CI: 0.69-2.23) and right suboccipital (WONPG, 2.58 NPS - CI: 1.64-3.51 / WONP, 1.0 - CI: 0.42-1.58) and left (NPG, 2.15 - CI: 1.21-3.09 / WONP, 1.0 - CI: 0.46 -1.54) but the values of the LDP were not significant for any of the muscles tested between the groups with and without chronic neck pain. Also no significant differences were found in postural assessment between groups for the analyzed angles in the frontal plane face and anterior views and angles analyzed in the sagittal plane. The analysis of association between the variables, it was observed that when disability was considered the dependent variable in relation to the neck pain, total score MUEQ-Br (aspects of work) and TMD, we observed a strong association (R2 = 0.93) and all predictors showed significant in the model. Our results demonstrate that cervical disability is influenced by the TMD, neck pain and physical and psychosocial aspects of the computer work. Workers with neck pain showed a higher percentage of diagnoses of TMD when compared with the group of workers without neck pain, and the pain intensity on palpation of the neck muscles was significantly higher in computer workers with neck pain. Thus, it is possible to suggest an association between reporting of neck pain, neck related disability and TMD in the context of work involving the computer in women reporting chronic neck pain.

Relatório do Projeto de Investigação apresentado para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Mestre em Fisioterapia, área de especialização em Fisioterapia em Condições Músculo-Esqueléticas.
Introdução: O conhecimento acerca da influência das características dos indivíduos com dor cervical crónica (DCC) no prognóstico dos resultados alcançados com a Fisioterapia é ainda inconsistente, sendo escassos os estudos desenvolvidos neste âmbito. Objetivo: Este relatório pretende determinar se um modelo baseado em fatores de prognóstico é capaz de prever os resultados de sucesso da Fisioterapia, a curto prazo, em utentes com DCC, ao nível da incapacidade funcional, intensidade da dor e perceção global de melhoria. Metodologia: Trata-se de estudo de coorte prospetivo com 112 participantes. Os utentes foram avaliados na primeira semana de tratamento e sete semanas após o início da intervenção. Os instrumentos utilizados foram o Neck Disability Index–Versão Portuguesa (NDI-PT) e a Escala Numérica da Dor (END) nos dois momentos de avaliação, um Questionário de Caracterização Sociodemográfica e Clínica da Amostra na baseline e a Patient Global Impression Change Scale–Versão Portuguesa (PGIC-PT) no follow-up. As características sociodemográficas e clínicas foram incluídas como potenciais fatores de prognóstico e estes foram definidos com base nas diferenças mínimas clinicamente importantes (DMCI) dos instrumentos NDIPT (DMCI≥6) e END (DMCI≥2) e no critério de pontuação ≥5 na PGIC-PT. A análise dos dados foi realizada através do método de regressão logística (backward conditional procedure) para identificar as associações entre os indicadores e as variáveis de resultado (p<0.05). Resultados: Dos 112 participantes incluídos no estudo, 108 completaram o follow-up (média de idade: 51.76±10.19). No modelo multivariado relativo à incapacidade funcional, os resultados de sucesso encontram-se associados a elevados níveis de incapacidade na baseline (OR=1.123; 95% IC 1.056–1.194) e a duração da dor inferior a 12 meses (OR=2.704; 95% IC 1.138–6.424). Este modelo explica 30.0% da variância da melhoria da funcionalidade e classifica corretamente 74.1% dos utentes (sensibilidade: 75.9%; especificidade: 72.0%). O modelo relativo à intensidade da dor identificou apenas a associação do outcome com níveis elevados de intensidade da dor na baseline (OR=1.321; 95% IC 1.047–1.668), explicando 7.5% da variância da redução da mesma e classificando corretamente 68.2% dos utentes (sensibilidade: 94.4%; especificidade: 16.7%). O modelo final referente à perceção global de melhoria apresentou uma associação com a intensidade da dor na baseline (OR=0.621; 95% IC 0.465–0.829), com a presença de cefaleias e/ou tonturas (OR=2.538; 95% IC 0.987–6.526) e com a duração da dor superior a 12 meses (OR=0.279; 95% IC 0.109–0.719). Este modelo explica 27.5% da variância dos resultados de sucesso para este outcome e classifica corretamente 73.1% dos utentes (sensibilidade: 81.8%; especificidade: 59.5%). Conclusões: Utentes com DCC com elevada incapacidade na baseline e queixas de dor há menos de 12 meses apresentam maior probabilidade de obter melhorias ao nível da incapacidade funcional. Elevados níveis de intensidade da dor na baseline predizem resultados de sucesso na redução da dor após sete semanas de tratamento. Utentes com DCC com baixos níveis de dor na baseline, com cefaleias e/ou tonturas e com queixas de dor há mais de 12 meses apresentam maior probabilidade de obter uma melhor perceção de melhoria.
Abstract: Introduction: The influence of the characteristics of individuals with chronic neck pain (CNP) on the prognosis of physiotherapy outcomes is still inconsistent, there being few studies developed in this context. Aim: This study seeks to determine whether a model based on prognostic factors can predict the short-term physiotherapy successful outcomes in CNP patients, regarding functional disability, pain intensity and perceived recovery. Methodology: This is a prospective cohort study with 112 participants. Patients were assessed during the first week of treatment and seven weeks after the start of the intervention. The instruments used were the Neck Disability Index–Portuguese Version (NDI-PT) and the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) at both moments of assessment, a Sample Sociodemographic and Clinical Characterization Questionnaire at baseline and Patient Global Impression Change Scale–Portuguese Version (PGIC-PT) at the follow-up. The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were included as potential predictors of successful outcomes, and these were defined on the basis of minimal clinically important differences (MCID) of NDI-PT (MCID≥6) and END (MCID≥2) and the criteria score ≥5 on the PGIC-PT. Data analysis was performed using logistic regression (backward conditional procedure) to identify associations between predictors and outcomes (p<0.05). Results: Of the 112 participants included in the study, 108 completed the follow-up (mean age: 51.76±10.19). In the multivariate model of functional disability, the successful outcomes are associated with high levels of disability at baseline (OR = 1.123; 95% CI 1.056-1.194), and pain duration shorter than 12 months (OR=2.704; 95% CI 1.138–6.424). This model explains 30.0% of the variance of improved functional capacity and correctly classifies 74.1% of the patients (sensitivity: 75.9%, specificity: 72.0%). The model for pain intensity solely identified an outcome association with high pain intensity at baseline (OR=1.321; 95% CI 1.047- 1.668), explaining 7.5% of the variance of pain reduction and correctly classifying 68.2% of the patients (sensitivity: 94.4%, specificity: 16.7%). The final model of perceived recovery showed an association with pain intensity at baseline (OR=0.621; 95% CI 0465-0829), with the presence of headache and/or dizziness (OR=2.538; 95% CI 0.987-6.526) and the duration of pain over 12 months (OR=0.279; 95% CI 0.109- 0.719). This model explains 27.5% of the variance of successful outcomes and correctly classifies 73.1% of the patients (sensitivity: 81.8%, specificity: 59.5%). Conclusions: Patients with CNP with high disability at baseline and complaints of pain for less than 12 months are more likely to obtain improvements in functional disability. High levels of pain intensity at baseline predict successful outcomes in pain reduction after seven weeks of treatment. Patients with CNP with low levels of pain at baseline, with headache and/or dizziness and with pain complaints for more than 12 months are more likely to get a better perceived recovery.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Este trabalho teve como objetivo contribuir para o processo de adaptação cultural do Neck Disability Index (NDI), através da análise da sua unidimensionalidade e do estudo da sua fiabilidade (consistência interna e fiabilidade teste-reteste), validade de constructo e poder de resposta. De igual forma pretendeu-se caraterizar a intervenção realizada pela fisioterapia e os resultados obtidos em pacientes com Dor Cervical Crónica (DCC). Introdução: A dor cervical é um problema cada vez mais comum nos países industrializados, constituindo uma das três condições mais frequentemente reportadas por queixas de origem músculo-esquelética. A sua incidência é um fenómeno em crescimento, com custos implicados para a sociedade. Desta forma reconhece-se a importância de um instrumento que monitorize a evolução da incapacidade funcional associada à DCC. O NDI é atualmente o instrumento de avaliação mais recomendado para avaliar a incapacidade funcional associada à dor cervical. Foi traduzido e adaptado à língua portuguesa, mas à data não foi realizada nenhuma avaliação das suas propriedades psicométricas. Por outro lado, apesar de a literatura referir que os serviços de Fisioterapia são extremamente procurados por indivíduos com DCC, em Portugal, a informação sobre a sua prática nesta condição clínica é escassa ou mesmo inexistente. Assim, e sendo a incapacidade nas atividades funcionais uma das variáveis de maior impacto da DCC e ao mesmo tempo um dos resultados principais da intervenção da Fisioterapia, importa por um lado possuir instrumentos capazes de avaliar o nível de incapacidade funcional e a sua mudança, e por outro, aferir qual a intervenção realizada pela Fisioterapia e quais os resultados obtidos. Metodologia: Realizou-se um estudo de coorte prospetivo com uma amostra de conveniência, do tipo não probabilístico, constituída por 88 pacientes com DCC de origem músculo-esquelética e causa não traumática referenciados para 6 serviços de fisioterapia / medicina física e de reabilitação de clínicas e centros de reabilitação, sendo elegíveis todos os pacientes que cumprissem os critérios de inclusão e exclusão estabelecidos. Os pacientes foram avaliados em três momentos pré-definidos: antes do início das sessões de fisioterapia ou na 1ª semana de tratamento; 4 a 7 dias após a 1ª avaliação; e 7 semanas após o início da fisioterapia. Para verificação da unidimensionalidade do NDI, procedeu-se a uma Análise Fatorial Exploratória. As propriedades psicométricas do NDI avaliadas foram a Fiabilidade (consistência interna e fiabilidade teste-reteste), a Validade de Constructo e o Poder de Resposta. Posteriormente procedeu-se à caraterização da prática da fisioterapia quanto às modalidades utilizadas, número de sessões de tratamento e duração do episódio de cuidados. Adicionalmente descreveu-se os resultados obtidos após a intervenção da fisioterapia ao nível da dor e incapacidade. Resultados: os resultados obtidos foram positivos e significativos, com a confirmação da unidimensionalidade do NDI, sendo que em todos os critérios seguidos o fator mínimo retido foi de um. Na avaliação da consistência interna o valor obtido foi acima do mínimo aceitável (α Cronbach = 0,77), enquanto o valor de fiabilidade teste-reteste foi elevado (CCI =0,95). De igual forma, os resultados foram positivos para a validade de constructo, obtendo-se uma associação positiva do NDI com a Escala Numérica da dor (END). O valores de poder de resposta reportaram uma Área Abaixo da Curva de 0,63 (IC 95%=0,51-0,75), com valor de Diferença Mínima Clinicamente importante de 5,5 pontos (sensibilidade = 69,6%; especificidade = 43,6%). Relativamente á intervenção de fisioterapia em casos de DCC verificou-se que as características da prática da fisioterapia reportadas neste relatório são de difícil comparação ou análise dada a escassez ou inexistência de trabalhos publicados sobre este assunto em pacientes com DCC. No entanto, neste estudo, encontraram-se reduções significativas na intensidade da dor e incapacidade funcional após a intervenção de fisioterapia (z= -7,16; p<0,001 e t= 10,412, p<0,05, respetivamente). Conclusão: Os resultados do presente estudo revelam que o NDI-VP possui uma boa Fiabilidade, Validade de Constructo e Poder de Resposta. Revela ainda que a intervenção da fisioterapia em casos de DCC, apesar da escassez de trabalhos publicados, proporciona uma redução significativa dos níveis de dor e incapacidade em pacientes com DCC.--------------- ABSTRACT:Objective: the aim of this study was to contribute for the process of cultural adaption of the Neck Disability Index (NDI), through the analysis of his unidimensionality and the study of his reliability (internal consistency and test-retest reliability), construct validity and responsiveness. At the same time it pretends to characterize the intervention performed by physical therapy and the results in patients with Chronic Neck Pain (CNP). Introduction: neck pain is a common problem in the industrialized countries, since is one of the three most reported conditions by complaints with musculoskeletal origin. His incidence is a growth phenomena that implicate great costs to society. Therefore the importance of an instrument that monitories the evolution of the functional disability associated to CNP is recognized. Nowadays, NDI is the instrument most recommended to evaluate functional disability associated to neck pain. It has been translated and adapted to portuguese but, till now, no evaluation of his psychometric proprieties has been completed. In the other hand, despite literature refers that physical therapy services are extremely searched by patients with neck pain, in Portugal, the information about practice in this clinical condition is very few or inexistent. Therefore, and since disability in the functional activities is one of the variables with most impact of CNP and, at the same time, one of the main results of physical therapy interventions, it’s important to have instruments capable of evaluate the level of functional disability and his change, and also calculate which intervention of physical therapy is most appropriate and his results. Methodology: it was used a prospective cohort study with a convenience sample, non-probabilistic, consisting of 88 patients with CNP of musculoskeletal origin and non-traumatic cause, referred to 6 physical therapy services of clinics and rehabilitation centers, and fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria established. Patients were evaluated in three pre-defined moments: before the beginning of physical therapy or during the first week of treatment; 4 to 7 days after the first evaluation; and 7 weeks after beginning of physical therapy. To verify NDI unidimensionality, we run an Exploratory Factorial Analysis. NDI psychometric proprieties evaluated were reliability (internal consistency and test-retest reliability), construct validity and responsiveness. Subsequently, it was proceeded the characterization the practice of physical therapy regarding to the modalities used, the number of treatment sessions and duration of the episode of care. Additionally it was described the results obtained after the intervention of the physical therapy, the level of pain and the disability. Results: results were positive and significant, with the confirmation of the NDI unidimensionality, since in every followed criteria the minimal retained factor was one. In the evaluation of internal consistency the value was above the minimal accepted (α Cronbach = 0,77), and the test-retest reliability value was high (CCI =0,95). Results were positive to construct validity, with an positive association of the NDI with Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Responsiveness values reported an Area Under Curve (AUC) of 0,63 (IC 95%=0,51-0,75) with a Minimal Important Detectable Change (MIDC) of 5,5 points (sensitivity = 69,9%; specificity = 43,6%). Regarding physical therapy interventions in CNP, it was verified that the physical therapy characteristics reported are difficult to compare or analyze since there are very few published studies about this topic. However, in this study, significant reductions were founded in pain intensity and functional disability after intervention(z= -7,16; p<0,001 and t= 10,412, p<0,05, respectively).Conclusion: present study results reveals that NDI has an good reliability, construct validity and responsiveness. It also reveals that physical therapy intervention in CNP, beside few studies published, result in a significant reduction of pain and disability levels in patients with CNP.

Tipologia di studio: Case series. Background: La cervicalgia è una delle patologie più frequenti a livello globale con un picco di incidenza tra i 35 e 49 anni. Il 10% delle cervicalgie acute tende a cronicizzare. Il Metodo Mulligan propone degli esercizi ideati dall’unione della mobilizzazione passiva attuata dal fisioterapista ad un movimento attivo eseguito dalla persona assistita, al fine di ristabilire una corretta posizione della struttura muscolo scheletrica interessata. Obiettivo: Valutare l’effetto del Metodo Mulligan sulla funzionalità e dolorabilità nelle persone con cervicalgia cronica. Materiali e metodi: Sono stati selezionati 4 soggetti (1 F e 3 M) di età media 24±3 con diagnosi di cervicalgia cronica e sono stati sottoposti a 6 sedute incentrate sul Metodo Mulligan in 4 settimane. Alla fine di ogni seduta venivano affidati al soggetto trattato autotrattamenti da svolgere in autonomia al fine di mantenere i risultati ottenuti. I partecipanti sono stati valutati prima dell’inizio dei trattamenti, dopo l’ultimo trattamento e ad un mese dall’ultimo trattamento. Sono state valutate la funzionalità e la dolorabilità cervicale tramite il ROM attivo e passivo, il dolore evocato dalla pressione in direzione posteriore-anteriore fra C2 e T4 tramite Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS) e questionari Neck Disability Index (NDI) e Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK). Risultati: Al termine della valutazione finale, i soggetti hanno evidenziato miglioramenti a livello del ROM cervicale, del dolore evocato dalle apofisi spinose e TSK; solo in due soggetti la scala NRS è rimasta invariata e la scala NDI non ha mostrato variazioni clinicamente rilevanti. Conclusioni: Nei partecipanti allo studio il Metodo Mulligan ha mostrato un effetto positivo al trattamento della cervicalgia cronica. I dati ottenuti sottolineano un miglioramento di articolarità, qualità di vita e dolorabilità a livello cervicale.

Relatório do Projeto de Investigação apresentado para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Mestre em Fisioterapia, área de especialização em Fisioterapia em Condições Músculo-Esqueléticas.
Introdução: O conhecimento acerca da influência das características dos indivíduos com dor cervical crónica (DCC) no prognóstico dos resultados alcançados com a Fisioterapia é ainda inconsistente, sendo escassos os estudos desenvolvidos neste âmbito. Objetivo: Este relatório pretende determinar se um modelo baseado em fatores de prognóstico é capaz de prever os resultados de sucesso da Fisioterapia, a curto prazo, em utentes com DCC, ao nível da incapacidade funcional, intensidade da dor e perceção global de melhoria. Metodologia: Trata-se de estudo de coorte prospetivo com 112 participantes. Os utentes foram avaliados na primeira semana de tratamento e sete semanas após o início da intervenção. Os instrumentos utilizados foram o Neck Disability Index–Versão Portuguesa (NDI-PT) e a Escala Numérica da Dor (END) nos dois momentos de avaliação, um Questionário de Caracterização Sociodemográfica e Clínica da Amostra na baseline e a Patient Global Impression Change Scale–Versão Portuguesa (PGIC-PT) no follow-up. As características sociodemográficas e clínicas foram incluídas como potenciais fatores de prognóstico e estes foram definidos com base nas diferenças mínimas clinicamente importantes (DMCI) dos instrumentos NDIPT (DMCI≥6) e END (DMCI≥2) e no critério de pontuação ≥5 na PGIC-PT. A análise dos dados foi realizada através do método de regressão logística (backward conditional procedure) para identificar as associações entre os indicadores e as variáveis de resultado (p<0.05). Resultados: Dos 112 participantes incluídos no estudo, 108 completaram o follow-up (média de idade: 51.76±10.19). No modelo multivariado relativo à incapacidade funcional, os resultados de sucesso encontram-se associados a elevados níveis de incapacidade na baseline (OR=1.123; 95% IC 1.056–1.194) e a duração da dor inferior a 12 meses (OR=2.704; 95% IC 1.138–6.424). Este modelo explica 30.0% da variância da melhoria da funcionalidade e classifica corretamente 74.1% dos utentes (sensibilidade: 75.9%; especificidade: 72.0%). O modelo relativo à intensidade da dor identificou apenas a associação do outcome com níveis elevados de intensidade da dor na baseline (OR=1.321; 95% IC 1.047–1.668), explicando 7.5% da variância da redução da mesma e classificando corretamente 68.2% dos utentes (sensibilidade: 94.4%; especificidade: 16.7%). O modelo final referente à perceção global de melhoria apresentou uma associação com a intensidade da dor na baseline (OR=0.621; 95% IC 0.465–0.829), com a presença de cefaleias e/ou tonturas (OR=2.538; 95% IC 0.987–6.526) e com a duração da dor superior a 12 meses (OR=0.279; 95% IC 0.109–0.719). Este modelo explica 27.5% da variância dos resultados de sucesso para este outcome e classifica corretamente 73.1% dos utentes (sensibilidade: 81.8%; especificidade: 59.5%). Conclusões: Utentes com DCC com elevada incapacidade na baseline e queixas de dor há menos de 12 meses apresentam maior probabilidade de obter melhorias ao nível da incapacidade funcional. Elevados níveis de intensidade da dor na baseline predizem resultados de sucesso na redução da dor após sete semanas de tratamento. Utentes com DCC com baixos níveis de dor na baseline, com cefaleias e/ou tonturas e com queixas de dor há mais de 12 meses apresentam maior probabilidade de obter uma melhor perceção de melhoria.
Abstract: Introduction: The influence of the characteristics of individuals with chronic neck pain (CNP) on the prognosis of physiotherapy outcomes is still inconsistent, there being few studies developed in this context. Aim: This study seeks to determine whether a model based on prognostic factors can predict the short-term physiotherapy successful outcomes in CNP patients, regarding functional disability, pain intensity and perceived recovery. Methodology: This is a prospective cohort study with 112 participants. Patients were assessed during the first week of treatment and seven weeks after the start of the intervention. The instruments used were the Neck Disability Index–Portuguese Version (NDI-PT) and the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) at both moments of assessment, a Sample Sociodemographic and Clinical Characterization Questionnaire at baseline and Patient Global Impression Change Scale–Portuguese Version (PGIC-PT) at the follow-up. The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were included as potential predictors of successful outcomes, and these were defined on the basis of minimal clinically important differences (MCID) of NDI-PT (MCID≥6) and END (MCID≥2) and the criteria score ≥5 on the PGIC-PT. Data analysis was performed using logistic regression (backward conditional procedure) to identify associations between predictors and outcomes (p<0.05). Results: Of the 112 participants included in the study, 108 completed the follow-up (mean age: 51.76±10.19). In the multivariate model of functional disability, the successful outcomes are associated with high levels of disability at baseline (OR = 1.123; 95% CI 1.056-1.194), and pain duration shorter than 12 months (OR=2.704; 95% CI 1.138–6.424). This model explains 30.0% of the variance of improved functional capacity and correctly classifies 74.1% of the patients (sensitivity: 75.9%, specificity: 72.0%). The model for pain intensity solely identified an outcome association with high pain intensity at baseline (OR=1.321; 95% CI 1.047- 1.668), explaining 7.5% of the variance of pain reduction and correctly classifying 68.2% of the patients (sensitivity: 94.4%, specificity: 16.7%). The final model of perceived recovery showed an association with pain intensity at baseline (OR=0.621; 95% CI 0465-0829), with the presence of headache and/or dizziness (OR=2.538; 95% CI 0.987-6.526) and the duration of pain over 12 months (OR=0.279; 95% CI 0.109- 0.719). This model explains 27.5% of the variance of successful outcomes and correctly classifies 73.1% of the patients (sensitivity: 81.8%, specificity: 59.5%). Conclusions: Patients with CNP with high disability at baseline and complaints of pain for less than 12 months are more likely to obtain improvements in functional disability. High levels of pain intensity at baseline predict successful outcomes in pain reduction after seven weeks of treatment. Patients with CNP with low levels of pain at baseline, with headache and/or dizziness and with pain complaints for more than 12 months are more likely to get a better perceived recovery.

INTRODUÇÃO: A dor vertebral apresenta significativo impacto econômico e social. Estimativas mais recentes do Global Burden of Diseases relatam que as algias vertebrais crônicas (AC) são a principal causa de anos vividos com incapacidade no mundo. A prevalência de algias vertebrais ao longo da vida varia entre 54% e 80%. OBJETIVOS: Estimar a prevalência de algias vertebrais crônicas e identificar fatores associados em uma amostra de pessoas com 15 anos ou mais de idade em um segmento da população da cidade de São Paulo, Brasil. MÉTODO: Foi realizado um estudo de corte transversal. Um total de 826 participantes foi selecionado para entrevistas domiciliares entre dezembro de 2011 e fevereiro de 2012. Foram utilizados a Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão (HADS), o Teste de Fagerström para Dependência de Nicotina (FTND), o Teste para Identificação de Problemas Relacionados ao uso de Álcool (AUDIT), a Escala EuroQol-5D e o Critério de Classificação Econômica Brasil (CCEB). RESULTADOS: A prevalência de AC foi estimada em 22% (IC 95%, 19,3 - 25,0). Os seguintes fatores foram considerados independentemente associados a AC: sexo feminino, 30 ou mais anos de idade, quatro anos ou menos de escolaridade, sintomas compatíveis com ansiedade e esforço físico intenso durante a ocupação principal. Adicionalmente, pacientes com AC apresentaram qualidade de vida e autoavaliação de saúde significativamente piores, comparativamente àqueles sem AC. CONCLUSÕES: Observou-se uma prevalência de 22% de algias vertebrais crônicas em um segmento da população da cidade de São Paulo. Fatores demográficos, socioeconômicos, psicológicos e físicos foram independentemente associados a essa condição. Observou-se também uma associação entre algias vertebrais crônicas e pior qualidade de vida
Introduction: Spinal pain is associated with significant economic and societal impact and is an important health issue. It has recently been listed as the first cause of -years lived with disability worldwide and one of the most common reasons for which people seek medical care. Estimates of lifetime prevalence of spinal pain vary between 54% and 80%. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of chronic spinal pain (CSP) and to identify associated factors in a sample of persons aged 15 or older from a segment of the population of Sao Paulo City, Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiologic survey was performed to determine the prevalence of chronic spinal pain and to identify associated factors in a random sample of persons 15 years or older from a segment of the population of São Paulo City, Brazil. Face-to-face interviews were performed with 826 individuals between December 2011 and February 2012. Participants responded the following instruments: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, EuroQol 5D, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Fargerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), and Brazil Economic Classification Criteria (CCEB). Results: A prevalence of 22% (95% CI, 19.3 - 25.0) was observed for chronic spinal pain. The following factors were independently associated with chronic spinal pain: female gender, 30 years of age or older, four or less years of formal education, symptoms consistent with anxiety and intense physical strain for the main occupation. Quality of life and self-rated health were significantly worse among CSP individuals. Conclusions: This study found a prevalence of 22% for chronic spinal pain in a segment of the population of São Paulo city. Demographic, socioeconomic, psychological and physical factors were independently associated with this condition. Quality of life and self-rated health were significantly worse among CSP individuals

Objetivo: O presente estudo teve como objetivo realizar a adaptação transcultural e verificar a confiabilidade, consistência interna, validade estrutural e a validade de construto do ProFiMap-neck em indivíduos com relato de dor cervical crônica. Método: Participaram deste estudo pacientes do sexo feminino com relato de dor cervical há mais de 3 meses durante o movimento ou repouso A amostra foi composta por 30 indivíduos (33,43±10,32 anos) para a etapa de teste da versão pré-final, 100 indivíduos (38,89±10,84 anos) para a confiabilidade e 180 indivíduos (37,49±11,86 anos) para a validadade de construto, para a análise da consistência interna e validade estrutural. O processo de tradução e retrotradução ocorreu em 5 etapas: 1) Tradução inicial para o português, 2) Síntese de traduções, 3) Retrotradução, 4) Comitê de especialistas, e 5) O teste da versão pré-final. Para validade de construto a pontuação do ProFitMap-neck foi correlacionada com a pontuação do Neck Disability Index (NDI), além disso, foram utilizados para fins de correlação a Escala de Ansiedade e Depressão Hospitalar (HADS-A e HADS-D), a Escala Tampa de Cinesiofobia e o Short Form - 36 (SF-36). Para a análise fatorial exploratória foi utilizada a Análise de Componentes Principais, o indice de Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) e % de variância cumulativa. Para a análise da consistência interna foi utilizado o coeficiente de ? de Cronbach. Para a confiabilidade foi utilizando o Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (CCI). O coeficiente de correlação de Pearson foi utilizado para verificação das correlações. A magnitude da correlação foi graduada da seguinte maneira: R<0,29: pobre; 0,30,7: forte. Resultados: Durante o processo de teste da versão pré-final não foram relatadas dúvidas pela amostra de pacientes ao responder o instrumento. Para a escala de Sintomas/Intensidade do ProFitMap-neck versão português brasileiro foram verificados dois domínios (Escala de Sintomas/Intensidade Geral e Escala de Sintomas/Intensidade Equilíbrio) com porcentagem de variância cumulativa de 57,33% e índice KMO=0,66. Para a escala de Sintomas/Frequência do ProFitMap-neck foi verificado apenas 1 domínio com porcentagem de variância cumulativa de 56,20% e KMO=0,84. Para a escala de Limitação Funcional do ProFitMap-neck foram verificados 2 domínios (Postura e AVDs e Movimento e Percepção de Saúde) com porcentagem de variância cumulativa de 56,28% e KMO=0,57. Todos os itens apresentaram carga fatorial superior a 0,2. A análise de consistência interna demonstrou valores de alpha de cronbach adequados (alpha>0.70) para todos os domínios do ProFitMap-neck. Na reprodutibilidade foram verificados valores de CCI excelentes para todos os domínios e escalas (ICC>0,75). Nossos achados demonstraram correlações moderadas/fortes e negativas entre a pontuação total do NDI e as pontuações dos domínios e escalas Sintomas/Intensidade, Sintomas/Frequencia e Limitação Funcional do ProFitMapneck (R=-0,65, R=-0,56 e R=-0,71, respectivamente). Foram verificadas correlações no geral moderadas/fortes e positivas entre os escores das ferramentas SF-36 e ProFitMap-neck. Para as correlações entre Ansiedade, Despressão e Cinesiofobia e as Escalas do ProFitMap-neck versão português brasileiro foram verificadas correlações em sua maioria moderadas e fortes (-0,32Objective: This study aimed to perform the cultural adaptation and verify the reliability, internal consistency, structural validity and construct validity of the Profile Fitness Mapping neck questionnaire (ProFiMap-neck) in individuals reporting chronic neck pain. Method: This study recruited female patients with neck pain for more than three months during motion or at rest The sample consisted of 30 individuals (33.43 ± 10.32 years) to test the pre-final version, 100 individuals (38.89 ± 10.84 years) for reliability and 180 individuals (37.49 ± 11.86 years) for construct validity, analysis of internal consistency and structural validity. The process of translation and back translation occurred in 5 steps: 1) Initial translation into Portuguese, 2) Summary of translations, 3) Back-translation, 4) Committee of Experts, and 5) The test of the pre-final version. Construct validity was verified correlating scores on ProFitMap-neck and Neck Disability Index (NDI), Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS-A and HADS-D), Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia and the Short Form - 36 (SF-36). Exploratory factor analysis was perfomed considering Principal Component Analysis, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin index (KMO) and percentange of cumulative variance. For the analysis of internal consistenc, we used ? Cronbach and for reliability Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was used. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to investigate correlations and the strength was graded as follows: R <0.29: poor; 0.3 0.7: Strong. Results: During the test of the pre-final version, volunteers did no report doubts. Structural validity retained two domains for Symptoms/Intensity ProFitMap-neck Brazilian Portuguese version (General Symptoms Intensity and Symptoms Intensity/ Balance) with cumulative percentage of variance of 57.33% and KMO=0.66. For the Scale Symptoms/Frequency of ProFitMap-neck we identified one domain, with cumulative percentage of variance of 56.20% and KMO = 0.84. For Functional Limitation of the ProFitMap-neck, we identified two domains (Posture and Movement and Diary Life Activities and Health Perception) with cumulative percentage of variance of 56.28% and KMO = 0.57. All items had factors loadings greater than 0.2. The internal consistency analysis revealed adequate alpha Cronbach values (alpha>0.70) for all ProFitMap-neck domains. We obtained excellent ICC values for all domains and scales (ICC> 0.75). Our findings showed moderate/strong and negative correlations between the total score of the NDI and the scores of the domains and scales Symptoms/Intensity, Symptoms/Frequency and Functional Limitation of ProFitMap-neck brazilian portuguese version (R = -0.65, R = -0.56 and R = -0.71, respectively). Correlations between the scores of the SF-36 and ProFitMapneck tools were in the majority moderate/strong and positive. For correlations between anxiety, depression and kinesiophobia and the scales of the ProFitMap-neck brazilian portuguese version were observaded moderate and strong values (-0.32