A March 2010 systematic review conducted in Germany underscores the value of neuromuscular training in preventing sports injuries. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of proprioceptive/neuromuscular training in preventing sports injuries by using the best available evidence.
7 methodologically well-conducted studies were considered for this review. Pooled analysis revealed that multi-intervention training was effective in reducing the risk of lower limb injuries, acute knee injuries, and ankle sprain injuries. Balance training alone resulted in a significant risk reduction of ankle sprain injuries and a nonsignificant risk reduction for injuries overall. Exercise interventions were more effective in athletes with a history of sports injury than in those without.
They concluded that “On the basis of the results of seven high-quality studies, this review showed evidence for the effectiveness of proprioceptive/ neuromuscular training in reducing the incidence of certain types of sports injuries among adolescent and young adult athletes during pivoting sports.”
Source: Hubscher M, Zech A, Pfeifer K, Hansel F, Vogt L, Banzer W. Neuromuscular training for sports injury prevention: a systematic review. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 2010 (Mar);42(3):413–421.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
www.laurelregionalchiropractic.com
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Study Shows Chiropractic Helps Headaches
A study published in the February 2010 issue of The Spine Journal provided additional evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of chiropractic for cervicogenic headaches.
In this study, 80 patients with chronic cervicogenic headaches were divided into three groups. Two of the groups received various forms of chiropractic adjustments, which the study authors called Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT), and one group received just a light massage so as to be able to compare the results. Results were calculated using standard pain scales. Data from the subjects was collected every 4 weeks for a 24 week period.
The researchers found that the groups that received chiropractic treatment showed significantly greater improvement in pain scores as compared to the group that got just light massage. Those receiving the chiropractic care were more likely to have a 50-percent improvement in their pain. The two groups of patients who received chiropractic care were only given either 8 or 16 chiropractic sessions. The study did see a slightly better response for the group receiving more adjustments, but due to the study parameters, no data was available beyond 16 visits.
In conclusion it states, “Our pilot study adds to an emerging picture of spinal manipulative therapy dose for the treatment of headache. It showed that a plateau in intervention effect might be found in the range of eight to 16 treatment sessions, although a dose effect at these treatment levels cannot be ruled out. The study also adds to the support of spinal manipulative therapy in moderate doses as a viable option for the treatment of chronic cervicogenic headaches.”
Source: Haas M, Spegman A, Peterson D, Aickin M, Vavrek D. Dose Response and Efficacy of Spinal Manipulation for Chronic Cervicogenic Headache: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Spine J. 2010(Feb);10(2):117-128.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
In this study, 80 patients with chronic cervicogenic headaches were divided into three groups. Two of the groups received various forms of chiropractic adjustments, which the study authors called Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT), and one group received just a light massage so as to be able to compare the results. Results were calculated using standard pain scales. Data from the subjects was collected every 4 weeks for a 24 week period.
The researchers found that the groups that received chiropractic treatment showed significantly greater improvement in pain scores as compared to the group that got just light massage. Those receiving the chiropractic care were more likely to have a 50-percent improvement in their pain. The two groups of patients who received chiropractic care were only given either 8 or 16 chiropractic sessions. The study did see a slightly better response for the group receiving more adjustments, but due to the study parameters, no data was available beyond 16 visits.
In conclusion it states, “Our pilot study adds to an emerging picture of spinal manipulative therapy dose for the treatment of headache. It showed that a plateau in intervention effect might be found in the range of eight to 16 treatment sessions, although a dose effect at these treatment levels cannot be ruled out. The study also adds to the support of spinal manipulative therapy in moderate doses as a viable option for the treatment of chronic cervicogenic headaches.”
Source: Haas M, Spegman A, Peterson D, Aickin M, Vavrek D. Dose Response and Efficacy of Spinal Manipulation for Chronic Cervicogenic Headache: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Spine J. 2010(Feb);10(2):117-128.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Stevia- good alternative for diabetics
For those who have been led to believe that various artificial sweeteners are perfectly safe and healthy are probably skeptical when a product comes out that is touted as a safe and natural way to sweeten a food or beverage without any calories, sugar, or unhealthy side effects.
But that seems to indeed be the case for Stevia, a plant with leaves that are ground up and consumed for just that purpose. Leaves from the Stevia plant have been found to be 100 times sweeter than sugar without all the negatives for those that need to cut back on sugar.
Although Stevia is approved as a food additive in many other countries, it is currently only approved in the U.S. as a dietary supplement. But leave it to the FDA to miss the boat when it comes to this potentially beneficial additive. In a market where sucralose and aspartame rule, with potentially harmful consequences, it does not appear that Stevia will be approved by itself as a food additive. Instead, a form of Stevia called Truvia has been approved.
The jury is still out on the true safety of Truvia. Instead of using the entire plant, Truvia is a sweetener based on two components of Stevia. For now, my suggestion is to cut out the artificial product that may or may not prove to be safe, and stick with the plant. It can be easily found in most health food stores as a dietary supplement. Just don't expect to see it in a local restaurant anytime soon.
Brian Lancaster, D.C.
Valley Chiropractic
Frederick, MD
Friday, March 12, 2010
Worst Habits That Hurt Your Back
Back pain sends more patients to doctors than any condition other than the common cold. There are many possible causes of back pain, which means there are also many noninvasive solutions. It turns out that some seemingly insignificant everyday habits can take a big toll on your back over time. Here are some of the mistakes that may be causing your aches:
You're chained to your desk
Did you know that sitting puts 40 percent more pressure on your spine than standing? On a jam-packed day, regular stretching breaks may not seem like a wise way to spend your time. But skipping these habits may cause your back to suffer. That's because back muscles will weaken if you don't use them; inactive joints lose lubrication and age more quickly.
You have a long commute
Just like at your desk, hunching over a steering wheel can tighten chest muscles and cause your shoulders to round.
You've been ditching the gym
Get moving to alleviate aches and pains and fix back pain faster. New research shows that 40 percent of people become less active after back pain strikes—a strategy that's likely to delay healing or even make their condition worse.
You're Addicted to Crunches
Sit-ups and crunches may actually cause more back pain than they prevent. We hear all the time how a strong core protects your back, which is true. But crunches don't work the abdominal muscles that stabilize your back. In fact, they can contribute to pain by causing core imbalance.
You're not the healthiest eater
Finnish research found that people who suffered from back pain were more likely to have clogged arteries to the spine than healthy control subjects. Healthy circulation brings nutrients to the spine and removes waste. If this doesn't happen, inflammation can result, and inflammatory chemicals in the back can trigger nerves to send pain signals to the brain.
You carry your entire life in your purse
A stuffed-to-the-gills handbag may cause back damage that's comparable to a sports injury! When you tote a heavy bag, your shoulders become imbalanced. Your body elevates the shoulder carrying the bag, which throws your spine off-kilter. Doing this every day can cause back muscles to ache over time.
Your mattress is from another decade
A study at Oklahoma State University found that most people who switched to new bedding after five years slept significantly better and had less back pain.
Your bike isn't adjusted quite right
Do you routinely get a sore back after even a leisurely bike ride? You may need to adjust your equipment. Anywhere from 30 percent to 70 percent of bike riders experience some form of back pain. You don't need to give up on this great form of exercise, but you should make sure your bike is properly fitted for you.
You have a thing for high heels
Or even flip-flops. Both lead to foot instability, which can in turn affect your back. High heels force you to arch your back, making your spinal muscles work harder. Backless shoes like sandals cause your feet to move from side to side, which distributes your body weight unevenly and can cause pain.
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
http://www.laurelregionalchiropractic.com/
You're chained to your desk
Did you know that sitting puts 40 percent more pressure on your spine than standing? On a jam-packed day, regular stretching breaks may not seem like a wise way to spend your time. But skipping these habits may cause your back to suffer. That's because back muscles will weaken if you don't use them; inactive joints lose lubrication and age more quickly.
You have a long commute
Just like at your desk, hunching over a steering wheel can tighten chest muscles and cause your shoulders to round.
You've been ditching the gym
Get moving to alleviate aches and pains and fix back pain faster. New research shows that 40 percent of people become less active after back pain strikes—a strategy that's likely to delay healing or even make their condition worse.
You're Addicted to Crunches
Sit-ups and crunches may actually cause more back pain than they prevent. We hear all the time how a strong core protects your back, which is true. But crunches don't work the abdominal muscles that stabilize your back. In fact, they can contribute to pain by causing core imbalance.
You're not the healthiest eater
Finnish research found that people who suffered from back pain were more likely to have clogged arteries to the spine than healthy control subjects. Healthy circulation brings nutrients to the spine and removes waste. If this doesn't happen, inflammation can result, and inflammatory chemicals in the back can trigger nerves to send pain signals to the brain.
You carry your entire life in your purse
A stuffed-to-the-gills handbag may cause back damage that's comparable to a sports injury! When you tote a heavy bag, your shoulders become imbalanced. Your body elevates the shoulder carrying the bag, which throws your spine off-kilter. Doing this every day can cause back muscles to ache over time.
Your mattress is from another decade
A study at Oklahoma State University found that most people who switched to new bedding after five years slept significantly better and had less back pain.
Your bike isn't adjusted quite right
Do you routinely get a sore back after even a leisurely bike ride? You may need to adjust your equipment. Anywhere from 30 percent to 70 percent of bike riders experience some form of back pain. You don't need to give up on this great form of exercise, but you should make sure your bike is properly fitted for you.
You have a thing for high heels
Or even flip-flops. Both lead to foot instability, which can in turn affect your back. High heels force you to arch your back, making your spinal muscles work harder. Backless shoes like sandals cause your feet to move from side to side, which distributes your body weight unevenly and can cause pain.
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
http://www.laurelregionalchiropractic.com/
Monday, March 8, 2010
Concussion in Sports New study
Natural History of Concussion in Sport: Markers of Severity and Implications for Management
by Makdissi, M., Darby, D., Maruff, P., Ugoni, A., Brukner, P., McCrory, P. R.
Background
Evidence-based clinical data are required for safe return to play after concussion in sport.
Purpose
The objective of this study was to describe the natural history of concussion in sport and identify clinical features associated with more severe concussive injury, using return-to-sport decisions as a surrogate measure of injury severity.
Study Design
Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 3.
Methods
Male elite senior, elite junior, and community-based Australian Rules football players had preseason baseline cognitive testing (Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Trail-Making Test–Part B, and CogSport computerized test battery). Players were recruited into the study after a concussive injury sustained while playing football. Concussed players were tested serially until all clinical features of their injury had resolved.
Results
Of 1015 players, 88 concussions were observed in 78 players. Concussion-associated symptoms lasted an average of 48.6 hours (95% confidence interval, 39.5–57.7 hours) with delayed return to sport correlated with ≥4 symptoms, headache lasting ≥60 hours, or self-reported "fatigue/fogginess." Cognitive deficits using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test and Trail-Making Test–part B recovered concomitantly with symptoms, but computerized test results recovered 2 to 3 days later and remained impaired in 35% of concussed players after symptom resolution.
Conclusion
Delayed return to sport was associated with initially greater symptom load, prolonged headache, or subjective concentration deficits. Cognitive testing recovery varied, taking 2 to 3 days longer for computerized tests, suggesting greater sensitivity to impairment. Therefore, symptom assessment alone may be predictive of but may underestimate time to complete recovery, which may be better estimated with computerized cognitive testing
Temple Hills, MD
by Makdissi, M., Darby, D., Maruff, P., Ugoni, A., Brukner, P., McCrory, P. R.
Background
Evidence-based clinical data are required for safe return to play after concussion in sport.
Purpose
The objective of this study was to describe the natural history of concussion in sport and identify clinical features associated with more severe concussive injury, using return-to-sport decisions as a surrogate measure of injury severity.
Study Design
Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 3.
Methods
Male elite senior, elite junior, and community-based Australian Rules football players had preseason baseline cognitive testing (Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Trail-Making Test–Part B, and CogSport computerized test battery). Players were recruited into the study after a concussive injury sustained while playing football. Concussed players were tested serially until all clinical features of their injury had resolved.
Results
Of 1015 players, 88 concussions were observed in 78 players. Concussion-associated symptoms lasted an average of 48.6 hours (95% confidence interval, 39.5–57.7 hours) with delayed return to sport correlated with ≥4 symptoms, headache lasting ≥60 hours, or self-reported "fatigue/fogginess." Cognitive deficits using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test and Trail-Making Test–part B recovered concomitantly with symptoms, but computerized test results recovered 2 to 3 days later and remained impaired in 35% of concussed players after symptom resolution.
Conclusion
Delayed return to sport was associated with initially greater symptom load, prolonged headache, or subjective concentration deficits. Cognitive testing recovery varied, taking 2 to 3 days longer for computerized tests, suggesting greater sensitivity to impairment. Therefore, symptom assessment alone may be predictive of but may underestimate time to complete recovery, which may be better estimated with computerized cognitive testing
Temple Hills, MD
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Study shows that Cold Laser Therapy helps Chronic Neck Pain Sufferers
A new Australian study appeared in the journal Lancet shows that using cold laser therapy to treat chronic neck pain can be very effective.
Low-level laser therapy, also known as LLLT involves using a laser's light to stimulate tissue repair and ease pain. Lead researcher Roberta Chow of the Brain and Mind Research Institute at Australia's University of Sydney carried out an overview of 16 randomized trials that put this increasingly popular procedure to the test. 820patients were enrolled in the trials and divided into two groups: one that received either the therapy or other one that received a dummy treatment.
In five trials, the researchers found that patients given LLLT were around four times more likely to have reduced pain compared with a placebo. In the 11 other trials, for which there was a detailed analysis of pain symptoms, LLLT patients reported reductions of chronic pain by around 20 points on a scale of 100 points. The pain reduction continued for up to 22 weeks.
LLLT compares favorably with other drugs and remedies for effectiveness and its side-effects are mild, says the study. The researchers further suggested that low level laser therapy be used in combination with an exercise program for neck pain as well.
Original article: Chow RT, Johnson MI, Lopes-Martins RA, Bjordal JM. “Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo or active-treatment controlled trials.” Lancet. 2009 Dec 5;374(9705):1897-908.
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
http://www.laurelregionalchiropractic.com/
Low-level laser therapy, also known as LLLT involves using a laser's light to stimulate tissue repair and ease pain. Lead researcher Roberta Chow of the Brain and Mind Research Institute at Australia's University of Sydney carried out an overview of 16 randomized trials that put this increasingly popular procedure to the test. 820patients were enrolled in the trials and divided into two groups: one that received either the therapy or other one that received a dummy treatment.
In five trials, the researchers found that patients given LLLT were around four times more likely to have reduced pain compared with a placebo. In the 11 other trials, for which there was a detailed analysis of pain symptoms, LLLT patients reported reductions of chronic pain by around 20 points on a scale of 100 points. The pain reduction continued for up to 22 weeks.
LLLT compares favorably with other drugs and remedies for effectiveness and its side-effects are mild, says the study. The researchers further suggested that low level laser therapy be used in combination with an exercise program for neck pain as well.
Original article: Chow RT, Johnson MI, Lopes-Martins RA, Bjordal JM. “Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo or active-treatment controlled trials.” Lancet. 2009 Dec 5;374(9705):1897-908.
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
http://www.laurelregionalchiropractic.com/
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