Electromyographic biofeedback is a therapeutic modality used along with other interventions in the treatment of pain. This article presents a brief review of the effectiveness of electromyographic biofeedback in treating musculoskeletal pain. Electromyographic biofeedback may provide pain relief for chronic musculoskeletal pain due to cumulative trauma, and may be proposed as an additional intervention to exercise in patellofemoral pain syndrome and acute sciatic pain. Electromyographic biofeedback is comparable to cognitive behavioral treatment and relaxation techniques. When added to an exercise program in patients with patellofemoral pain or acute sciatic pain, no further pain reduction is achieved. Electromyographic biofeedback promotes active participation and thus may motivate patients to adopt an active role in establishing and reaching goals in rehabilitation. Further research is required to investigate its effect on musculoskeletal pain.

Intersection syndrome is a rare sports overuse injury occurring through friction at the intersection of the first and second compartment of the forearm. Differential diagnosis must be carefully made, especially from De Quervain tendonsynovitis. Clinical examination provides with the necessary information for diagnosis, still magnetic resonance imaging scans and ultrasonography may assist in diagnosis. Treatment consists mainly of rest, use of a thumb spica splint, analgetic and oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and after 2-3 wk progressive stretching and muscle strengthening. Should symptoms persist beyond this time, corticosteroid injections adjacent to the site of injury may be useful. In refractory cases, surgical intervention is warranted.

OBJECTIVE: A number of non-operative treatment protocols have been proposed in the literature for lumbar stenosis. However, the available primary research describes inadequately the employed protocol. This causes diffi culties in distinguishing which interventions are more effective in reducing symptoms. METHODS: We reviewed existing studies in order to promote the construction of an evidence-based strategy for non-operative treatment rehabilitation of lumbar stenosis patients. Randomized controlled trials describing insuffi ciently the non-operative treatment rehabilitation protocols were excluded since the results may not direct this review towards a favorable treatment plan. RESULTS: A protocol has been outlined to inform the clinician and to elucidate the effectiveness of non-operative treatment through randomized controlled trials. The results of this study indicate that a comprehensive exercise and manual therapy protocol is more effective in reducing symptoms than a less intensive exercise program. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive non-operative treatment comprising of fl exion exercises, manual therapy and treadmill exercises appears to be more benefi cial in reducing symptoms than a less vigorous program comprising of fl exion exercises, treadmill training and home exercise.

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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to review the effectiveness of aerobic training in increasing endurance in subacute stroke patients.Methods: A review of available research was selected. Electronic databases searched online were MedlinePubmed, Cumulative Index in Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE).Results: Aerobic training appears to have a positive effect on endurance and oxygen consumption. Conclusion:Further research studying the effect of endurance training in subacute stroke patients, is required in order to reach a clearer image of the effect of aerobic training in stroke patients in the subacute phase.