Search Results (10)

Lumbar spine pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide and remains a major challenge in clinical practice. Among non-invasive treatment strategies, manual therapy plays a central role, offering individualized interventions that target both biomechanical dysfunction and pain. This narrative review compares three commonly used physiotherapeutic approaches—Kaltenborn-Evjenth mobilization, the McKenzie method, and high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) manipulation—based on current evidence regarding their effectiveness, safety, and clinical application. A total of 32 randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published between 2003 and 2024 were analyzed. The Kaltenborn-Evjenth method demonstrated notable effectiveness in improving range of motion and reducing chronic pain, particularly in patients with segmental hypomobility. The McKenzie method showed strong outcomes in both acute and chronic LBP, especially in cases involving symptom centralization and high patient engagement. HVLA techniques offered rapid symptom relief in acute phases but required careful patient selection due to their mechanical intensity. The findings suggest that no single method is universally superior. Instead, optimal outcomes are achieved through individualized treatment plans that integrate multiple techniques based on clinical presentation, pain chronicity, and functional limitations. Multimodal strategies that combine manual therapy with exercise and patient education appear to be the most effective in managing LBP and preventing recurrence. Full article

Background/Objectives: Back pain affects a large number of people and, therefore, represents a significant financial burden for the state. In most cases, it can be treated conservatively. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the effects of multiple impulse therapy (MIT), the McKenzie method, axial traction using the Saunders lumbar lift, and NSAID pharmacotherapy in patients with discogenic low back pain (DLBP). Methods: All patients completed a subjective evaluation of pain, both before and immediately after treatment, providing values on the Laitinen and VAS scales. The Schober test was performed in all groups. Pain and mobility were also assessed 30 days after the completion of treatment. Results: In all groups of patients, a significant improvement was obtained both at the end of treatment and 30 days after the applied therapies. On the Laitinen scale, the best results were obtained with McKenzie therapy and were similar with Saunders traction. On the VAS scale, the best results were observed in the group of patients treated with multiple impulse therapy and according to the Schober test. Conclusions: Multiple impulse therapy functions as a valuable modality for pain control for treating patients with discogenic low back pain compared to McKenzie MDT and Saunders traction. MIT is well-tolerated by patients, completely safe, and non-invasive. Physiokinetic methods such as Saunders’ traction, McKenzie, and MIT showed greater analgesic efficacy when compared to drug treatment in patients with discogenic low back pain. Full article

Thermal heterogeneity of rivers is essential to support freshwater biodiversity. Salmon behaviorally thermoregulate by moving from patches of warm water to cold water. When implementing river restoration projects, it is essential to monitor changes in temperature and thermal heterogeneity through time to assess the impacts to a river’s thermal regime. Lightweight sensors that record both thermal infrared (TIR) and multispectral data carried via unoccupied aircraft systems (UASs) present an opportunity to monitor temperature variations at high spatial (<0.5 m) and temporal resolution, facilitating the detection of the small patches of varying temperatures salmon require. Here, we present methods to classify and filter visible wetted area, including a novel procedure to measure canopy cover, and extract and correct radiant surface water temperature to evaluate changes in the variability of stream temperature pre- and post-restoration followed by a high-intensity fire in a section of the river corridor of the South Fork McKenzie River, Oregon. We used a simple linear model to correct the TIR data by imaging a water bath where the temperature increased from 9.5 to 33.4 °C. The resulting model reduced the mean absolute error from 1.62 to 0.35 °C. We applied this correction to TIR-measured temperatures of wetted cells classified using NDWI imagery acquired in the field. We found warmer conditions (+2.6 °C) after restoration (p < 0.001) and median absolute deviation for pre-restoration (0.30) to be less than both that of post-restoration (0.85) and post-fire (0.79) orthomosaics. In addition, there was statistically significant evidence to support the hypothesis of shifts in temperature distributions pre- and post-restoration (KS test 2009 vs. 2019, p < 0.001, D = 0.99; KS test 2019 vs. 2021, p < 0.001, D = 0.10). Moreover, we used a Generalized Additive Model (GAM) that included spatial and environmental predictors (i.e., canopy cover calculated from multispectral NDVI and photogrammetrically derived digital elevation model) to model TIR temperature from a transect along the main river channel. This model explained 89% of the deviance, and the predictor variables showed statistical significance. Collectively, our study underscored the potential of a multispectral/TIR sensor to assess thermal heterogeneity in large and complex river systems. Full article

This essay will contribute to the emerging conversation related to “wisdom homiletics”, both in method and in content. “Wisdom homiletics”, as a homiletic–theological model that embodies the role of the Hebrew sage, resembles the wise teacher who seeks a more practical approach to biblical discipleship. This essay will begin with a discussion of the emerging conversation related to “wisdom homiletics” in order to establish the tone for the remainder of the essay. Next, a rhetorical and ethical introduction to the Hebrew wisdom literature will be offered. This will establish the role of “sage” as a significant member of the Israelite and Jewish political and religious system, following the scholarship of Joseph Blenkinsopp, Roland Murphy, and Mark Sneed. Then, the essay will offer an assessment of Robert Stephen Reid’s, Lisa Washington Lamb’s, and Alyce McKenzie’s different homiletical concepts of the “sage” to transition to laying a foundation for “wisdom homiletics” as both a model of and method for preaching. The essay will conclude with a sermon précis drawn from a core Wisdom literature passage (Eccl 12:1–8) and presented in the method articulated in this essay. Full article

Lumbar disc herniation associated with radiculopathy (LDHR) is among the most frequent causes of spine-related disorders. This condition is triggered by irritation of the nerve root caused by a herniated disc. Many non-surgical and surgical approaches are available for managing this prevalent disorder. Non-surgical treatment approaches are considered the preferred initial management methods as they are proven to be efficient in reducing both pain and disability in the absence of any red flags. The methodology employed in this review involves an extensive exploration of recent clinical research, focusing on various non-surgical approaches for LDHR. By exploring the effectiveness and patient-related outcomes of various conservative approaches, including physical therapy modalities and alternative therapies, therapists gain valuable insights that can inform clinical decision-making, ultimately contributing to enhanced patient care and improved outcomes in the treatment of LDHR. The objective of this article is to introduce advanced and new treatment techniques, supplementing existing knowledge on various conservative treatments. It provides a comprehensive overview of the current therapeutic landscape, thereby suggesting pathways for future research to fill the gaps in knowledge. Specific to our detailed review, we identified the following interventions to yield moderate evidence (Level B) of effectiveness for the conservative treatment of LDHR: patient education and self-management, McKenzie method, mobilization and manipulation, exercise therapy, traction (short-term outcomes), neural mobilization, and epidural injections. Two interventions were identified to have weak evidence of effectiveness (Level C): traction for long-term outcomes and dry needling. Three interventions were identified to have conflicting or no evidence (Level D) of effectiveness: electro-diagnostic-based management, laser and ultrasound, and electrotherapy. Full article

Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of the implemented therapeutic programme, which consisted of body posture correction and of change of habits, on the pelvic floor muscle function in women with stress urinary incontinence. Material and methods: The 60 women were randomly divided into two groups: the study population and the clinical control group (subjects received envelopes with numbers of the group: 1- study population aged 38.3 ± 5.54, 2- clinical control group aged 35.5 ± 4.7. We used the following research methods: A personal questionnaire with subjects’ demographics and with questions related to the type of work, physical activity, childbirths and any issues related to the pelvic floor (pre-test), Pelvic floor muscle assessment with the use of the PERFECT Scheme and the Oxford scale palpation examination, sEMG with intravaginal electrode and manometry with an intravaginal probe—pre-test and post-test. Subjective assessment of body posture in the sagittal plane according to the McKenzie methodology. Results: In both groups, VRP (resting vaginal pressure) and resting PFM tension were significantly reduced. The strength and endurance of PFM, tension during MVC and VSP (intravaginal pressure during contraction) increased, with no difference between the groups. SUI decreased significantly, and quality of life improved significantly in both groups. Conclusions: Education of the pelvic floor and changing habits significantly affected the activity of PFM and improved the quality of life in the group of patients with SUI. The posture correction therapy with manual therapy and stretching exercises did not increase this effect. Full article

Previously, severe green mould infections could be attributed mainly to Trichoderma aggressivum Samuels & W. Gams, as well as T. pleuroti S.H. Yu & M.S. Park and T. pleuroticola S.H. Yu & M.S. Park in the case of Agaricus bisporus (J.E. Lange) Imbach (button mushroom) and Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm. (oyster mushroom), respectively. The purpose of our study was the examination of green mould agents deriving from the growing facilities of button mushroom, oyster mushroom and shiitake (Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler) located in various countries of Europe, and initially classified into the Trichoderma harzianum Rifai species complex (THSC). Species identification was carried out using the multilocus sequence typing analysis of the internal transcribed spacer regions, as well as translation elongation factor 1-alpha, calmodulin and RNA polymerase B subunit II gene sequences. In vitro confrontation assays were applied to test the aggressiveness of the isolates towards mushrooms, while the effect of commercial fungicides on the growth of the strains was examined by the macrodilution method. Six Trichoderma species, namely T. afroharzianum P. Chaverri, F.B. Rocha, Degenkolb & Druzhin., T. atrobrunneum F.B. Rocha, P. Chaverri & Jaklitsch, T. guizhouense Q.R. Li, McKenzie & Yong Wang, T. harzianum sensu stricto, T. pollinicola F. Liu & L. Cai and T. simmonsii P. Chaverri, F.B. Rocha, Samuels, Degenkolb & Jaklitsch were detected in the different samples, with T. harzianum, T. pollinicola and T. simmonsii being the most aggressive. Prochloraz was found to have strong in vitro inhibitory effect on mycelial growth on most strains, however, T. simmonsii isolates showed remarkable tolerance to it. Our data suggest that T. harzianum and T. simmonsii may also be considered as potential causal agents of mushroom green mould. Full article

Exercise plays an important role in rehabilitating people with chronic low back pain. Aerobic exercise and resistance training are general exercise strategies to manage chronic low back pain, but these strategies require longer intervention period to achieve clinical outcomes in pain reduction and functional improvements. Directional preference is recognised as an important exercise strategy in managing low back pain. The Clinical Pilates exercise method leverages on the directional preference of an individual to achieve clinical outcomes faster. Clinical Pilates is a hybrid of two of the best exercise interventions for low back pain, which are general Pilates and the McKenzie method. Due to the scarcity of Clinical Pilates literature, a review of its theory and studies was undertaken to provide a structured guide to the technique in managing people with chronic low back pain. Hypothetical algorithms are developed to support translation into clinical practice and future research studies. These algorithms are useful in the management of complex cases involving multiple directional trauma. Although limited, current evidence suggests that the Clinical Pilates exercise method is safe and provides faster functional recovery in the early stage of rehabilitation and similar longer term outcomes as general exercises. Full article

Temperature history is one of the most important factors driving subsidence and the overall tectono-stratigraphic evolution of a sedimentary basin. The McKenzie model has been widely applied for subsidence modelling and stretching factor estimation for sedimentary basins formed in an extensional tectonic environment. Subsidence modelling requires values of physical parameters (e.g., crustal thickness, lithospheric thickness, stretching factor) that may not always be available. With a given subsidence history of a basin estimated using a stratigraphic backstripping method, these parameters can be estimated by quantitatively comparing the known subsidence curve with modelled subsidence curves. In this contribution, a method to compare known and modelled subsidence curves is presented, aiming to constrain valid combinations of the stretching factor, crustal thickness, and lithospheric thickness of a basin. Furthermore, a numerical model is presented that takes into account the effect of sedimentary cover on thermal history and subsidence modelling of a basin. The parameter fitting method presented here is first applied to synthetically generated subsidence curves. Next, a case study using a known subsidence curve from the Campos Basin, offshore Brazil, is considered. The range of stretching factors estimated for the Campos basin from this study is in accordance with previous work, with an additional estimate of corresponding lithospheric thickness. This study provides insight into the dependence of thermal history and subsidence modelling methods on assumptions regarding model input parameters. This methodology also allows for the estimation of valid combinations of physical lithospheric parameters, where the subsidence history is known. Full article

Artificially intelligent and predictive modelling of geomechanical properties is performed by creating supervised machine learning data models utilizing artificial neural networks (ANN) and will predict geomechanical properties from basic and commonly used conventional well logs such as gamma ray, and bulk density. The predictive models were created by following the approach on a large volume of data acquired from 112 wells containing the Bakken Formation in North Dakota. The studied wells cover a large surface area of the formation containing the five main producing counties in North Dakota: Burke, Mountrail, McKenzie, Dunn, and Williams. Thus, with a large surface area being analyzed in this research, there is confidence with a high degree of certainty that an extensive representation of the Bakken Formation is modelled, by training neural networks to work on varying properties from the different counties containing the Bakken Formation in North Dakota. Shear wave velocity of 112 wells is also analyzed by regression methods and neural networks, and a new correlation is proposed for the Bakken Formation. The final goal of the research is to achieve supervised artificial neural network models that predict geomechanical properties of future wells with an accuracy of at least 90% for the Upper and Middle Bakken Formation. Thus, obtaining these logs by generating it from statistical and artificially intelligent methods shows a potential for significant improvements in performance, efficiency, and profitability for oil and gas operators. Full article