Background and PurposeThis randomized controlled study examined the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).MethodsThis study included 16 patients with a history of MS and spasticity in the adductor hip muscles according to the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). The participants were randomized into the active group (n=10) and control group (n=6), in which active rTMS and sham rTMS were applied in 10 sessions, respectively. A physical therapy and rehabilitation program was applied along with rTMS sessions in both groups. The evaluation parameters were assessed at baseline and then 1 week and 1 month after applying rTMS.ResultsStatistical analyses with post-hoc correction revealed statistically significant improvements in the active group compared to the control group in the bilateral MAS score, Penn Spasm Frequency Scale score, patient satisfaction, amount of urine leakage, actual health status, perceived health status, energy and fatigue, role limitations due to physical problems, social function, overall quality of life, cognitive functioning, physical health composite score, mental health composite score, and total score on the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQOL-54) (p<0.05). Statistically significant changes were detected in the MSQOL-54 social function and physical health composite scores of patients in the control group (p<0.05).ConclusionsActive rTMS combined with a physical therapy program reduced spasticity in MS patients compared to the control group that received only physical therapy. Further comprehensive and more advanced studies are needed to confirm the present findings.

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BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 infection poses a serious threat to global health for millions of people. In addition to therapeutic treatment methods, preventive measures are also important in controlling the pandemic. As a result, billions of people are quarantined in their homes to prevent the spread of coronavirus. However, social isolation may result in immobility, which can lead to musculoskeletal problems and an increased level of pain, depending on the weakness of the muscles. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of social isolation during the recent COVID-19 pandemic on patients with chronic low back pain. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 145 patients who underwent a spine intervention within the past year were enrolled in this prospective and cross-sectional study. SETTING: The study was performed in the interventional pain unit of a tertiary rehabilitation center in Turkey. METHODS: Patient data were obtained by telephone interview and included information pertaining to demographics, pain history, an assessment of pain, analgesic use, activity levels, and an evaluation of stress and sleep habits. Additionally, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to evaluate patient activity levels. RESULTS: It was detected that social isolation has increased the intensity of low back pain experienced by patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also found that patients who benefited from spinal injections administered in the prepandemic period experience less severe low back pain (P = 0.000) and took fewer analgesics (P = 0.000) during the pandemic. The findings of our study revealed that there was a significant reverse correlation between IPAQ walking scores and the prepandemic Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores (P = 0.015, r = -0.201) and the pandemic VAS scores (P = 0.000, r = -0.313).By contrast, the level of benefit from injections decreased (P < 0.05) and the duration of spinal intervention was shortened in patients with high IPAQ sitting scores (P < 0.05). LIMITATIONS: The limitations of the study are the small number of patients and the fact that our results are based on patients’ self-reported data. CONCLUSIONS: Social isolation has had an increasing effect on low back pain during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of our study showed a significant relationship between activity level and pain intensity. We also found that patients who have benefited from spinal injections administered in the prepandemic period experience less severe low back pain during the pandemic. KEY WORDS: COVID-19, spine intervention, physical activity, low back pain, social isolation

Ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block with phenol is an option worth considering to reduce spasticity and improve function in people with SCI.

Aim: Rehabilitation professionals play a primary role in patients' medical procedures, leaving them in long-term, fixed, and sometimes less than optimal body positions, leading to musculoskeletal disorders in individuals. This study aims to assess the postural characteristics of the rehabilitation professionals, investigate the effects on pain, quality of life, sleep levels, and identify possible risk factors. Material and Method: Our study had 105 participants and was performed as a prospective, cross-sectional study. The demographic information of the individuals included in the study, whether they have any pain complaints related to the musculoskeletal system; if any, its localization and sleep level were evaluated. Participants were administered the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Employee Quality of Life Scale. The postural status was assessed using the Corbin Posture Scale. Results: It was detected that the participants with higher Corbin Posture Scale scores had more severe pain levels assessed by VAS score (p:0.000, r:0.803), longer duration of musculoskeletal pain (p:0.000, r:0.456), and shorter daily sleep duration time (p:0.000,r:-0.424) as a result of our study. Conclusion:Postural dysfunction in rehabilitation professionals leads to many medical problems, especially musculoskeletal pain, high analgesic consumption, and sleep disturbances. As a result, there may be a reduction in quality of life. Preventive postural exercise programs can also be beneficial.