Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation最新文献

{"title":"Relationship between left/right judgment task reaction time and clinical and psycho-affective measures in women with fibromyalgia syndrome: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Felipe Araya-Quintanilla, Iván Cuyul-Vásquez, Erick Atenas-Núñez, Ariel Reyes-Meza, Carolina Torres-Torres, Joaquín La Pietra-Salmerón, Waleska Reyes-Ferrada, Héctor Gutiérrez-Espinoza","doi":"10.1177/10538127261496995","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10538127261496995","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundThe relationship between reaction time on the left/right judgment task and clinical psycho-affective measures is unknown in women with fibromyalgia syndrome.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between reaction time on the left/right judgment task and clinical and psycho-affective measures in women with fibromyalgia syndrome.Materials and Methods113 women with fibromyalgia syndrome were recruited. All participants underwent assessment using the left/right judgment task, administered via the Recognise™ application. Kinesiophobia and pain catastrophizing were assessed using Tampa Scale Kinesiophobia, and Pain Catastrophizing Scale. Functional health status was assessed with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, pain intensity with Visual Analog Scale, central sensitization with Central Sensitization Inventory. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to assess associations between reaction time and clinical and psycho-affective measures. Finally, exploration stepwise multiple linear regression performed to identify predictors of FIQ.ResultsThe results showed a positive association of higher values of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire with left shoulder reaction time (<i>β</i> = 0.80; CI 95% 0.74 to 0.97; <i>p</i> = 0.009), left cervical reaction time (<i>β</i> = 8.41; CI 95% 3.85 to 12.96; <i>p</i> = 0.001), left hand reaction time (<i>β</i> = 0.11; CI 95% 0.10 to 0.21; <i>p</i> = 0.013), left low back reaction time (<i>β</i> = 7.7; CI 95% 7.1 to 12.5; <i>p</i> = 0.034) and right low back reaction time (<i>β</i> = 8.3; CI 95% 3.6 to 15.0; <i>p</i> = 0.016), with the regression model explaining 16% (<i>R</i>² = 0.16). For correlations showed an association with Pain Catastrophizing Scale and left cervical (<i>r</i> = 0.23, <i>p</i> = 0.011).ConclusionIn this exploratory cross-sectional study, there was a positive association between Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and reaction time in specific body segments (left shoulder, left cervical, left hand, left low back, and right low back) and low to moderate correlation between longer reaction on the left/right judgment task and poorer clinical and psycho-affective measures in women with fibromyalgia syndrome.</p>","PeriodicalId":15129,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"10538127261496995"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149166223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acupuncture-Related interventions for exercise-induced delayed-onset muscle soreness in active adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis for sport rehabilitation.","authors":"Rui Liu, Hazwani Ahmad Yusof, ZiMei Zhong, BeiBei Gao, Rohayu Hami","doi":"10.1177/10538127261494834","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10538127261494834","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundDelayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a common post-exercise condition that can impair athletic performance, training quality, and rehabilitation.ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture-related interventions for exercise-induced DOMS in active adults.MethodsPubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CNKI were searched from inception to December 2025, with a manual reference-list update in January 2026. Randomized controlled trials comparing acupuncture-related interventions with sham/placebo or no treatment in healthy adults with exercise-induced DOMS were eligible. Nine RCTs met the eligibility criteria, and seven contributed compatible pain data to meta-analysis. Two reviewers independently extracted data, assessed risk of bias using RoB 2, and rated evidence certainty with GRADE. Pain intensity on a 0-10 visual analogue scale was pooled using random-effects models.ResultsAcross seven RCTs, acupuncture-related interventions reduced DOMS pain at 24 h (MD -0.62, 95% CI -1.01 to -0.23), 48 h (MD -0.71, 95% CI -1.20 to -0.22), and 72 h (MD -0.84, 95% CI -1.35 to -0.32). Heterogeneity was low (I² = 0%, 3%, and 23%, respectively). None of the pooled estimates reached commonly cited 1.0- or 1.3-point pain thresholds, and no DOMS-specific minimal clinically important difference has been established. Evidence certainty was moderate.ConclusionAcupuncture-related interventions may provide modest short-term reductions in DOMS pain, but their clinical importance remains uncertain. The evidence base is small and does not support dry-needling-specific conclusions. Larger, rigorously controlled, modality-specific RCTs are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":15129,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"10538127261494834"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149136657","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dynamic neuromuscular stabilization in the management of chronic spinal pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Tabassum Fatima, Zainy Khan, Iram Iram, Shabnam Khan, Sana Rehman, Zubia Veqar","doi":"10.1177/10538127261492776","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10538127261492776","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundChronic spinal pain is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide. Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), based on developmental kinesiology principles, has emerged as a rehabilitation approach aimed at improving movement patterns and neuromuscular control. However, its effectiveness in chronic spinal pain remains unclear.ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the effectiveness of DNS, in reducing pain and improving functional disability in individuals with chronic spinal pain.MethodsThis systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Electronic databases were searched up to August 2025. Twelve studies involving 531 participants met the inclusion criteria. Pain and disability outcomes were assessed using validated instruments. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Risk of bias was assessed using ROB 2.0, methodological quality using the PEDro scale, and certainty of evidence using GRADEpro.ResultsDNS demonstrated a moderate effect on pain reduction compared with control interventions (SMD = -0.51; 95% CI: -1.03 to 0.00; p = 0.05), although substantial heterogeneity was observed. A statistically significant improvement in disability was also found (SMD = -0.49; 95% CI: -0.89 to -0.10; p = 0.02). Overall certainty of evidence was low because of methodological limitations and variability among studies.ConclusionDNS may improve functional outcomes in chronic spinal pain, while its effect on pain reduction appears limited. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols are required to establish long-term effectiveness.</p>","PeriodicalId":15129,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"10538127261492776"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149136691","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Within-session repeatability of femoral nerve shear wave elastography across fixed sequential Thomas test-derived protocol in healthy young adults.","authors":"Olga Sánchez-Ramirez, Ángel González-de-la-Flor, Charles Cotteret, Jaime Almazán-Polo","doi":"10.1177/10538127261494724","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10538127261494724","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundHip and knee influences on femoral nerve mechanical behavior and SWE repeatability remain underexplored.ObjectiveTo describe scanner-derived SWE estimates from an ROI over the femoral nerve across five sequential Thomas test-derived positions and assess within-session repeatability.MethodsIn a single-session repeated-measures study, 19 healthy young adults underwent SWE in supine, Thomas test-derived, modified Thomas test (mTT) with 45° knee flexion, mTT with 90° knee flexion, and mTT with 90° knee flexion plus active cervical flexion. Shear-wave velocity (SWV; m/s) was the principal outcome. The manufacturer-derived apparent Young's modulus (kPa) was recorded as a secondary descriptive outcome. Three consecutive acquisitions were obtained at each position. Within-session repeatability of the three acquisitions was quantified using ICC, SEM, and MDC95. Repeated-measures ANOVA and Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons assessed differences across the fixed sequential protocol.ResultsRepeatability of the average of three acquisitions was high (ICC[³], 0.964-0.984; SEM, 0.09-0.10 m/s and 1.59-2.63 kPa; MDC95, 0.25-0.28 m/s and 4.40-7.29 kPa). Estimates differed across sequential positions (SWV: F = 40.20, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.691; kPa: F = 36.68, p < 0.001, ηp²=0.671). Mean SWV increased from 2.87 ± 0.66 m/s in supine to 4.80 ± 0.59 m/s in mTT with 90° knee flexion. Cervical flexion produced no significant additional increase.ConclusionIn healthy young adults, scanner-derived SWE estimates obtained from an ROI positioned over the femoral nerve showed high immediate within-session repeatability across a fixed sequential five-position protocol. Across this protocol, the highest apparent stiffness and SWV estimates were observed during the mTT position with 90° of knee flexion.</p>","PeriodicalId":15129,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"10538127261494724"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149136653","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Distribution of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae subtypes and functional disability in patients with low back pain: A single-center retrospective study.","authors":"Merve Kök, Şebnem Rumeli, Hasan Hüsnü Yüksek, Yakup Yıldırım, Derya Karataş, Kaan Yavuz, Nureddin Teker, Mesut Bakir","doi":"10.1177/10538127261494051","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10538127261494051","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundLumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) are a common congenital anomaly that often remain underrecognized in patients with low back pain (LBP), potentially leading to inappropriate management and disability.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and distribution of LSTV subtypes in a large LBP cohort and to evaluate functional disability and healthcare utilization in patients with LSTV.MethodsIn this single-center retrospective observational study, electronic records of 20,395 patients presenting with LBP between January 1, 2018 and January 1, 2024 were reviewed. Lumbar and lumbosacral imaging was evaluated and LSTV were classified according to the Castellvi system. Functional disability was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) in patients with LSTV. Associations between ODI scores, age, sex, Castellvi subtype and number of outpatient visits were analyzed.ResultsLSTV were identified in 405 patients (prevalence 1.98%; mean age 52.9 ± 15.2 years; 63% female). Castellvi Type 2a was the most frequent subtype (25.7%). More than half of the patients reported pain duration of 1-5 years and 67.7% had multiple outpatient visits. Patients with multiple visits had significantly higher ODI scores than those with a single visit (42.65 ± 17.30 vs. 29.53 ± 18.05, p < 0.001) whereas ODI scores did not differ significantly across LSTV subtypes (p > 0.05).ConclusionIn patients with LBP, LSTV were present in approximately 2%. Patients with LSTV demonstrated substantial disability and frequent healthcare utilization. Prospective controlled studies are needed to determine whether these findings are specifically attributable to LSTV and to clarify potential causal relationships.</p>","PeriodicalId":15129,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"10538127261494051"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149136706","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) intra-articular injection on functioning and kinematic analysis in knee osteoarthritis patients: A prospective observational study.","authors":"Alessandro De Sire, Nicola Marotta, Emanuele Prestifilippo, Maria Sgro, Vera Drago Ferrante, Federica Pisani, Vincenzo Bosco, Filippo Familiari, Umile Giuseppe Longo, Antonio Ammendolia","doi":"10.1177/10538127261496042","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10538127261496042","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>PurposeOsteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease primarily affecting elderly, with the knee being the most involved joint. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy has shown promise in OA management. Our study aimed to descriptively characterize changes over time in performance, pain, stiffness, and function among patients with knee OA undergoing a combined PRP and physiotherapy protocol.MethodsThis study included patients over 50 years of age with a Kellgren-Lawrence II-III grade of OA. The intervention involved three PRP injections and rehabilitation cycles. Outcomes assessed functional capacity with six minutes walking test (6MWT) and the time-up-and-go (TUG), via an inertial motion unit. OA clinical severity was assessed through Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS).ResultsWe included 64 patients (males/females = 23/41), of whom 42 had complete data across T0-T4. WOMAC and NRS scores decreased during the early follow-up period, reaching their lowest values at T2, followed by progressive increases at T3 and T4. TUG showed a significant overall change over time, although no consecutive comparison remained significant after correction for multiple comparisons. No significant changes over time were observed in 6MWT or gait-related outcomes.ConclusionsUnder the combined PRP and physiotherapy protocol, early changes in pain and function were observed, followed by a partial reversal at later follow-ups. No statistically significant changes over time were observed in 6MWT or gait-related outcomes. Given the uncontrolled single-arm design, these findings are descriptive and cannot establish the effectiveness or specific contribution of PRP. Further controlled studies are required.</p>","PeriodicalId":15129,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"10538127261496042"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149136709","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reliability, quality, and readability of large language models in carpal tunnel syndrome: A comparative cross-linguistic, cross-sectional observational study.","authors":"Bilgehan Kolutek Ay, Cem Zafer Yıldır","doi":"10.1177/10538127261492778","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10538127261492778","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundAI-based chatbots are increasingly used for health information, while cross-linguistic studies suggest that response performance may vary by language. Given the high prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), this study evaluated the reliability, quality, patient education suitability, and readability of AI-generated responses to CTS questions in English and Turkish.Materials and methodsSeventeen patient-centered CTS questions were directed to ChatGPT^® (GPT-5 Mini), Gemini^® 3 Flash, and Claude^® 4.5 Sonnet, using zero-shot prompting across 102 independent sessions in English and Turkish. Responses were evaluated for reliability, quality, and patient education using mDISCERN (MD), Global Quality Score (GQS), and the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT). Readability was assessed via Flesch Reading Ease (English) and Ateşman Index (Turkish). Friedman and Wilcoxon tests with Bonferroni correction were applied.ResultsSignificant inter-model differences were observed in English across all metrics (<i>p</i> < 0.05), with Gemini achieving higher MD and PEMAT scores than ChatGPT and Claude (<i>p</i> < 0.01). Cross-language differences were observed in mDISCERN scores, while Gemini showing a significant difference in favor of English (r = 0.93; <i>p</i> < 0.001). None of the models met recommended readability levels in either language.ConclusionAI-generated CTS information varied by model and language. Differences in MD scores should be interpreted cautiously because this instrument partly reflects the provision of references and does not directly assess factual clinical accuracy. None of the evaluated models achieved recommended readability levels for patient education. These findings support the use of AIs as supplementary rather than standalone sources of CTS-related patient information.</p>","PeriodicalId":15129,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"10538127261492778"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149136655","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Respiratory muscle strength, peripheral muscle strength, and balance in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis: A cross-sectional comparative study.","authors":"Semiramis Ozyilmaz, Sefa Yildirim, Aysegul Yabaci Tak, Nuh Mehmet Elmadag","doi":"10.1177/10538127261494721","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10538127261494721","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundAdolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity that may affect respiratory function, neuromuscular performance, and postural control.ObjectiveTo compare respiratory muscle strength, peripheral muscle strength, and balance between adolescents with AIS and healthy controls and to explore associations between respiratory muscle strength and postural stability in AIS.MethodsThis cross-sectional comparative study included 70 adolescents (40 AIS, 30 controls). Respiratory muscle strength was assessed using maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), peripheral muscle strength using handgrip and hand-held dynamometry, and balance using the Postural Stability Test and Limits of Stability test. Group comparisons, exploratory Spearman correlations with false discovery rate (FDR) correction, and linear regressions were performed. Strength outcomes were adjusted for sex, age, and weight.ResultsMIP and MEP were lower in AIS than controls (64.95 ± 23.03 vs. 85.40 ± 25.08cmH2O and 67.54 ± 18.96 vs. 85.13 ± 27.47cmH2O, respectively). After adjustment for sex, age, and weight, the between-group differences remained significant for MIP, MEP, and bilateral knee extensor strength, but not for handgrip strength. Static stability indices did not differ between groups, whereas selected dynamic balance measures were impaired in AIS. Three of 42 exploratory correlations had unadjusted p < 0.05; none remained significant after false discovery rate correction.ConclusionAIS was associated with lower respiratory and knee extensor strength after adjustment and with differences in selected dynamic balance measures. Exploratory correlations did not survive FDR correction. These findings support comprehensive functional assessment of respiratory muscle strength, knee extensor strength, and balance in AIS. The cross-sectional design precludes causal inference.</p>","PeriodicalId":15129,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"10538127261494721"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149136660","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fear of missing out and neck disability: The indirect association through postural attention in social media users.","authors":"Seyda Candeniz, Seher Erol","doi":"10.1177/10538127261494054","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10538127261494054","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundDespite widespread digital device use, the relationships of Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) with postural awareness and neck disability remain poorly understood.ObjectiveThis study examined the associations among FoMO, postural awareness, and neck disability, testing whether an indirect association existed through the need for attention regulation in posture.MethodA cross-sectional study included 1634 young adult social media users aged 18-25 years. Data were collected using the Fear of Missing Out Scale (FoMO), the Postural Awareness Scale (PAS) (sub-dimensions: Need for Attention Regulation with Postural Awareness-NARPA and Ease/Familiarity with Postural Awareness-EFPA), and the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Pain intensity and psychological distress were recorded as covariates. Data were analyzed using hierarchical regression and Hayes' PROCESS Macro.ResultsHierarchical regression analysis showed that FoMO was independently associated with neck disability, accounting for an additional 5.8% of the variance (Δ<i>R²</i>= .058, <i>p</i> < .001), even after controlling for pain intensity and psychological distress. While NARPA was a significant predictor of NDI (<i>β</i> = -.107, <i>p</i> < .001), EFPA was not (<i>β</i> = .012, <i>p</i> > .05). Mediation analysis indicated a statistically significant indirect effect of FoMO on NDI through NARPA (Indirect effect = .0098; 95% CI [.0053, .0150]).ConclusionsHigher FoMO was independently associated with greater neck disability, with a significant indirect association through NARPA. Findings suggest that a greater need for conscious cognitive effort in posture may link FoMO to neck disability among young adult social media users. Longitudinal studies are needed to establish temporal causality.</p>","PeriodicalId":15129,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"10538127261494054"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149127545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Differential changes in plantar fascia and achilles tendon tissue properties between pregnancy trimesters: Implications for arch stability and foot pain.","authors":"Nilüfer Kablan, Fatmagül Varol, Merve Can Kalan, Nazan Usal Tarhan, Habibe Ayvacı Taşan","doi":"10.1177/10538127261492772","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10538127261492772","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundPregnancy induces physiological and biomechanical changes that may affect connective tissue properties. Given the functional relationship between the plantar fascia (PF) and Achilles tendon (AT), these tissues may exhibit trimester-specific changes.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of PF and AT in pregnant women at different trimesters.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included primigravida women aged 18-40 years with a pre-pregnancy BMI <30 kg/m². Participants were grouped by trimester (G₁: n = 64; G₂: n = 52; G₃: n = 55). Biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of PF and AT were assessed using myotonometry, and navicular drop was measured bilaterally.ResultsPF elasticity and navicular drop increased significantly in both feet in parallel with the progression of pregnancy (p ≤ 0.05). In contrast, Achilles tendon tissue properties showed no significant differences between the three trimesters (p > 0.05).ConclusionsIncreased PF elasticity accompanied by reduced medial longitudinal arch stability may increase plantar fascia strain under load, potentially predisposing pregnant women to microtrauma and foot-related pathologies such as plantar fasciitis and persistent foot pain. Monitoring navicular drop and PF tissue properties throughout pregnancy may facilitate early identification of individuals at risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":15129,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"10538127261492772"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149127574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}