Research Report Abstracts - Gesundheit

WPT2011, Research Report Abstracts eS117
Methods: We included studies collected in Cochrane
reviews emphasizing on exercise therapy for OAk. Therefore
we used the search engine of the Cochrane Library
website (http://www.cochrane.org/; keywords: osteoarthritis,
exercise, knee). We also collected guidelines that
are included in the Physiotherapy Evidence Database
(http://www.pedro.org.au/) and that are related to the treatment
of OAk (keywords: osteoarthritis, practice guideline,
body part: lower leg or knee). If exercise therapy is recommended
in these guidelines, the studies that were used to
empower this advice were included in our work. The introduction
and discussion parts of the included studies were
subsequently screened for plausible explanations supporting
influences of exercise on OAk. First, we listed general
opinions that were given concerning potential explanations.
Second, core theoretical concepts were formulated. Third,
tentative linkages were developed between the core theoretical
concepts and the scientific foundations that were used to
empower the theoretical models.
Analysis: This study uses an inductive qualitative approach
that is based on the ‘grounded theory’ of Glaser and Straus.
Results: Three Cochrane reviews and 7 guidelines were
identified. These referred to 65 full papers (after eliminating
double references). Potential explanations for the effects
of exercise for OAk were mentioned in 24 papers. Consequently,
six core theoretical concepts were formulated:
cartilage integrity, stability, psychology, energy absorbing
capacity of periarticular muscles, weight loss, others. The
most scientific foundation is supplied for the first three concepts
in this checklist.
Conclusions: The most founded explanations for the effect
of exercise on Oak are a decreased focal cartilage pressure
(through better stability, energy absorbing capacity of muscles
and weight loss), and an improved mental state.
Implications: Designing a physical therapy protocol that
is based on the 5 major scientifically founded explanations
that are cited in the literature, may contribute to a comprehensive
conservative physical therapy plan. Future research
should focus on an exercise treatment plan that concentrates
on stability, weight loss, muscle strengthening and providing
information concerning coping strategies.
Keywords: Osteoarthritis; Knee; Exercise
Funding acknowledgements: None.
Ethics approval: Ethics approval was not required.
Research Report Poster Display
Number: RR-PO-206-7-Tue Tuesday 21 June 13:00
RAI: Exhibit Halls2&3
THE INFLUENCE OF BALANCE TRAINING ON
CERVICAL JOINT POSITION SENSE IN SUBJECTS
WITH SUB CLINICAL NON-SPECIFIC NECK PAIN
Beinert K. 1 , Taube W. 2
1University of Fribourg/Akademie für Gesundheitsfachberufe
Pfalz AG, Department of Medicine, Fribourg,
Switzerland, 2University of Fribourg, Depatment of
Medicine, Fribourg, Switzerland
Purpose: In patients with neck pain, the control of posture
in general (Fields et al., 08) and head movement in particular
(Revel, 92; Treleaven, 06) is impaired. In healthy subjects,
the neck influenced by fatigue (Schiepatti, 03) or vibration
(Kavounoudias, 99) deteriorates balance. Thus, there is
strong evidence that the proprioceptive information of the cervical
spine is crucial for the control of balance. In line with
this, neck coordination exercises were shown to reduce postural
sway in patients with chronic neck pain (Roijzon et al.,
08). Complementary to this previous work, the aim of the
present study was to clarify whether sensorimotor function
of the cervical spine can be improved by means of balance
exercises.
Relevance: The understanding of the sensorimotor control
of the cervical spine and the knowledge how to improve this
function is crucial for effective treatment.
Participants: 35 subjects aged 23 ± 3 years participated in
this study. All participants had subclinical nonspecific neck
pain. Further inclusion criterion was an overshoot of 5 ◦ in at
least 1 of 8 movements in a cervical reposition task (Revel,
92) and the disability to maintain balance in tandem stance.
After the initial assessment, the group was divided in two
populations based on their balance abilities: Population A
showed no deficits in postural control whereas population B
revealed impairments expressed as the inability to maintain
equilibrium in tandem stance for at least 30 seconds.
Methods: The sensorimotor function of the cervical spine
was assessed by means of a joint repositioning task. Balance
control was quantified as the time subjects could maintain in
the tandem stance position. Training consisted of single leg
stance, tandem stance and standing on a wobble board. The
demands were progressively increased by closing the eyes
and moving the head. Eleven subjects of population A and
seven subjects of population B took part in a 5 weeks balance
training (3 times per week) while the others were assigned to
two corresponding control groups.
Analysis: Changes in repositioning and balance control were
analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA procedure. In
case of significant F-values, Student’s t-tests were calculated
to assess the changes in more detail. Correlation between
changes in joint position and postural control was assessed
by the Pearson correlation coefficient.