Ashraf Mahmoudzadeh - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Ashraf Mahmoudzadeh

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Dry Needling on Gastrocnemius Muscle Spasticity and Gait in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Medical acupuncture, May 15, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of A Review on the Effects of Dry Needling Method on Myofascial Pain

Journal of Research in Rehabilitation Sciences, Mar 29, 2016

Myofascial pain is one of the most commonly experienced pains in muscles or their fascia and is o... more Myofascial pain is one of the most commonly experienced pains in muscles or their fascia and is often associated with the myofascial trigger point (MTP). Various methods have been employed to relieve chronic MTP pain, but none have been successful in the treatment alone. Dry needling is method that has been used to treat MTP in recent years. This minimally invasive procedure is performed through the insertion of acupuncture needles into the skeletal muscles. The present study was a review of researches which have investigated the dry needling method in the treatment of MTP and its impact on improving myofascial pain. Dry needling is a relatively new treatment method. Therefore, further researches are necessary to clarify its mechanism of action and method of use in terms of number of therapy sessions, the length of time the needles remain in the skin, and the number of needles in the muscles.

Research paper thumbnail of Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the fremantle back awareness questionnaire into persian language and the assessment of reliability and validity in patients with chronic low back pain

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 2020

Background: An estimated five million people in England are at increased risk of developing type ... more Background: An estimated five million people in England are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes which is termed 'pre-diabetes'. Diabetes Prevention Programmes (DPPs) comprising intensive lifestyle interventions for the pre-diabetes population may delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, engagement with DPPs is variable with accessibility being a reported barrier; this may be addressed by community pharmacy involvement given its recognition for accessibility. The aim of this study was to explore community pharmacy as an option for the delivery of DPPs by eliciting views and perceptions of healthcare professionals. Methods: Ethical approval was obtained. An exploratory research design using focus groups and semi-structured interviews was adopted to elicit views and perceptions of various healthcare professionals including pharmacists, pharmacy staff, GPs, practice nurses and commissioners. Questions were framed using the COMB framework for behaviour change as it was important to elicit practitioners' capability, opportunity and motivation to engage with providing or referring to a community pharmacy DPP. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Results: In total, two focus groups were held with community pharmacy staff (pharmacists and pharmacy technicians) working for both multiple and independent pharmacies. Eight semi-structured interviews, involving three GPs, three practice nurses, one member of the local pharmaceutical committee and one member of the clinical commissioning group, were also conducted. Data analysis is currently being undertaken and will seek to identify themes that will be mapped to the hub of the behaviour change wheel which identified sources of behaviour that could be targets for intervention. Data will be presented at conference. Conclusions: The findings of this study will not only inform the potential barriers and facilitators to delivering community pharmacy diabetes prevention programmes but will also highlight current challenges facing community pharmacy in England.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Ankle Plantar Flexor Spasticity Level on Balance in Patients With Stroke: Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Study

JMIR Research Protocols, Aug 21, 2020

Background: The lower limb spasticity after stroke can affect the balance and gait of patients wi... more Background: The lower limb spasticity after stroke can affect the balance and gait of patients with stroke. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the effects of ankle plantar flexor spasticity level on balance in patients with stroke. Methods: Patients with stroke were recruited from neurology and physiotherapy clinics in Tehran, Iran. Based on the level of ankle plantar flexor spasticity according to the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS), the eligible patients with stroke were divided into 2 groups: high spasticity (MMAS score≥2) and low spasticity (MMAS score<2). The primary outcome measures were the MMAS scores, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence questionnaire scores, eyes-open and eyes-closed posturography measures, and Timed Up and Go test results. The secondary outcome measures were the ankle passive range of motion and ankle joint proprioception. The t test, mixed model univariate analysis of variance, and Spearman rank correlation were used for statistical analysis. Results: Data collection and statistical analysis are complete. The interpretation of results is underway. We expect the results to be published in winter 2020. Conclusions: We believe that patients with high ankle plantar flexor spasticity after stroke will demonstrate greater balance dysfunction, which will worsen with impaired proprioception, passive range of motion, and eyes closed.

Research paper thumbnail of A Study on the Effects of Dry Needling in Multiple Sclerosis Patients with Spasticity: Protocol of a Randomized Waitlist-Controlled Trial

Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, Apr 30, 2021

Background: Spasticity is a common symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS). Dry needling (DN) has been... more Background: Spasticity is a common symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS). Dry needling (DN) has been considered a useful method for the treatment of spasticity; however, there are no studies on the effects of DN on spasticity in patients with MS. We propose a study protocol aiming to investigate the effects of DN on spasticity in patients with MS. Methods: MS patients with plantar flexor spasticity will be recruited. Participants will be randomly assigned to the DN group, where they will be receiving a single session of DN, one minute for each head of gastrocnemius muscle, or to the waiting list control group with no intervention. Primary outcome measures are the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) for gastrocnemius spasticity, passive resistive torque, and podography for foot pressure distribution. The ankle active and passive range of dorsiflexion and Timed Up and Go tests are the secondary outcome measures. All outcomes will be measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and one week later. A mixed-model, general linear model, and two-way repeated-measures ANOVA will be used to compare the quantitative variables between groups and within groups at the measurement time points. The MAS ordinal measure of spasticity will be compared between groups using the Kruskal-Wallis test, and both the Friedman test and Wilcoxon test will be used for within-group changes. Discussion: This study will provide primary evidence on the effects of DN on gastrocnemius muscle spasticity and gait in patients with MS.

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of dry needling on the radiating pain in subjects with discogenic low-back pain: A randomized control trial

Journal of research in medical sciences : the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 2016

Disk herniation is the most common cause of radiating low back pain (LBP) in subjects under 60 ye... more Disk herniation is the most common cause of radiating low back pain (LBP) in subjects under 60 years of age. The present study aims to compare the effect of dry needling (DN) and a standard conservative approach on the pain and function in subjects with discogenic radiating LBP. Fifty-eight subjects with discogenic radicular LBP were screened and randomized into control (Standard physical therapy, n = 29) and experimental group (Standard physical therapy and DN, n = 29). Radiating pain intensity and disability were measured using visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability indices at baseline, at the end of treatment and 2 months after the last intervention session. The changes in pain intensity and disability were studied using a 3 × 2 repeated measures analysis of variance considering time as the within-subject factor and group as the between-subject. Pain intensity and disability scores decreased significantly in both experimental and control groups (experimental group: VAS...

Research paper thumbnail of Role of Spasticity Severity on the Balance of Post-stroke Patients

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience

Background: Lower limb spasticity after stroke is common that can affect the balance, increase th... more Background: Lower limb spasticity after stroke is common that can affect the balance, increase the risk of falling, and reduces the quality of life.Objective: First, evaluate the effects of spasticity severity of ankle plantar flexors on balance of patients after stroke. Second, to determine the relationship between the spasticity severity with ankle proprioception, passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), and balance confidence.Methods: Twenty-eight patients with stroke based on the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS) were divided into two groups: High Spasticity Group (HSG) (MMAS > 2) (n = 14) or a Low Spasticity Group (LSG) (MMAS ≤ 2) (n = 14). The MMAS scores, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Questionnaire, postural sway of both affected and non-affected limbs under the eyes open and eyes closed conditions, timed up and go (TUG) test, passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM, and ankle joint proprioception were measured.Results: The ankle joint proprioception was sig...

Research paper thumbnail of A Study on the Effects of Dry Needling in Multiple Sclerosis Patients with Spasticity: Protocol of a Randomized Waitlist-Controlled Trial

Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of A Review on the Effects of Dry Needling Method on Myofascial Pain

Journal of Research in Rehabilitation Sciences, 2016

Myofascial pain is one of the most commonly experienced pains in muscles or their fascia and is o... more Myofascial pain is one of the most commonly experienced pains in muscles or their fascia and is often associated with the myofascial trigger point (MTP). Various methods have been employed to relieve chronic MTP pain, but none have been successful in the treatment alone. Dry needling is method that has been used to treat MTP in recent years. This minimally invasive procedure is performed through the insertion of acupuncture needles into the skeletal muscles. The present study was a review of researches which have investigated the dry needling method in the treatment of MTP and its impact on improving myofascial pain. Dry needling is a relatively new treatment method. Therefore, further researches are necessary to clarify its mechanism of action and method of use in terms of number of therapy sessions, the length of time the needles remain in the skin, and the number of needles in the muscles.

Research paper thumbnail of Role of Spasticity Severity on the Balance of Post-stroke Patients

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience

Background: Lower limb spasticity after stroke is common that can affect the balance, increase th... more Background: Lower limb spasticity after stroke is common that can affect the balance, increase the risk of falling, and reduces the quality of life.Objective: First, evaluate the effects of spasticity severity of ankle plantar flexors on balance of patients after stroke. Second, to determine the relationship between the spasticity severity with ankle proprioception, passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), and balance confidence.Methods: Twenty-eight patients with stroke based on the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS) were divided into two groups: High Spasticity Group (HSG) (MMAS > 2) (n = 14) or a Low Spasticity Group (LSG) (MMAS ≤ 2) (n = 14). The MMAS scores, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Questionnaire, postural sway of both affected and non-affected limbs under the eyes open and eyes closed conditions, timed up and go (TUG) test, passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM, and ankle joint proprioception were measured.Results: The ankle joint proprioception was sig...

Research paper thumbnail of Translation and Cross-cultural Adaptation of the Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire into Persian language and the assessment of reliability and validity in patients with chronic low back pain

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences : The Official Journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 2020

Background: Chronic low back pain (LBP) causes some neuroplastic changes in the brain, which resu... more Background: Chronic low back pain (LBP) causes some neuroplastic changes in the brain, which result in body perception impairment. The Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire (FreBAQ) is a suggested tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of back perception in people with LBP. The aim of this study is to translate and cross culturally adapt the FreBAQ into Persian language and to assess its reliability and validity in patients with chronic LBP (CLBP). Materials and Methods: Fifty people with CLBP and fifty healthy people participated in this study. To evaluate the discriminant validity, we assessed the ability of the FreBAQ to discriminate between people with and without LBP. After an interval of 1 week, 25 patients with CLBP completed the questionnaire in the retest session. Data obtained from the first test administration were used for internal consistency and data obtained from repeated testing were used for test–retest reliability. Construct validity was assessed by investigating a...

Research paper thumbnail of A study protocol on the effect of ankle plantar flexor spasticity level on balance in patients with stroke (Preprint)

JMIR Research Protocols, Aug 28, 2019

Background The lower limb spasticity after stroke can affect the balance and gait of patients wit... more Background The lower limb spasticity after stroke can affect the balance and gait of patients with stroke. Objective The aim of this study is to assess the effects of ankle plantar flexor spasticity level on balance in patients with stroke. Methods Patients with stroke were recruited from neurology and physiotherapy clinics in Tehran, Iran. Based on the level of ankle plantar flexor spasticity according to the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS), the eligible patients with stroke were divided into 2 groups: high spasticity (MMAS score≥2) and low spasticity (MMAS score&lt;2). The primary outcome measures were the MMAS scores, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence questionnaire scores, eyes-open and eyes-closed posturography measures, and Timed Up and Go test results. The secondary outcome measures were the ankle passive range of motion and ankle joint proprioception. The t test, mixed model univariate analysis of variance, and Spearman rank correlation were used for statistical analysis. Results Data collection and statistical analysis are complete. The interpretation of results is underway. We expect the results to be published in winter 2020. Conclusions We believe that patients with high ankle plantar flexor spasticity after stroke will demonstrate greater balance dysfunction, which will worsen with impaired proprioception, passive range of motion, and eyes closed. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR1-10.2196/16045

Research paper thumbnail of The Effect of Dry Needling on the Radiating Pain in Subjects with Discogenic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Control Trial

J Res Med Sci, Jun 21, 2016

Background: Disk herniation is the most common cause of radiating LBP in subjects under 60 years ... more Background: Disk herniation is the most common cause of radiating LBP in subjects under 60 years of age. The present study aims to compare the effect of dry needling and a standard conservative approach on the pain and function in subjects with discogenic radiating low back pain. Materials and Methods: Fifty-eight subjects with discogenic radicular low back pain were screened and randomized into control (Standard physical therapy, N = 29) and experimental group (Standard physical therapy & Dry needling, N = 29). Radiating pain intensity and disability were measured using Visual Analogue Scale and Oswestry Disability indices at baseline, at the end of treatment and two months after the last intervention session. the changes in pain intensity and disability were studied using a 3×2 repeated measures analysis of variance considering time as the within-subject factor and group as the between-subject. Results: Pain intensity and disability scores decreased significantly in both experimental and control groups (experimental group: VAS=37.24, ODI=28.48, control group: VAS=45.5, ODI=32.96), following the intervention. The change continued during the follow-up period (P<0.001 for all comparisons). Pain and disability improvement, however, were more significant in experimental group, both in post intervention (experimental group: VAS=25.17, ODI=22.17, control group: VAS=42.4, ODI=30.27) (P=0.05 and P=0.03, respectively) and in follow-up measures (P=0.006 and P=0.002, respectively).Conclusions: Both intervention strategies seem to significantly improve pain and disability immediately following intervention, where the improvement continued during two months after the last active intervention. Therefore, supplementary DN application may enhance the effect of the standard intervention considerably.

Key Words: Low Back Pain, Discogenic, Dry needling.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Dry Needling on Gastrocnemius Muscle Spasticity and Gait in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Medical acupuncture, May 15, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of A Review on the Effects of Dry Needling Method on Myofascial Pain

Journal of Research in Rehabilitation Sciences, Mar 29, 2016

Myofascial pain is one of the most commonly experienced pains in muscles or their fascia and is o... more Myofascial pain is one of the most commonly experienced pains in muscles or their fascia and is often associated with the myofascial trigger point (MTP). Various methods have been employed to relieve chronic MTP pain, but none have been successful in the treatment alone. Dry needling is method that has been used to treat MTP in recent years. This minimally invasive procedure is performed through the insertion of acupuncture needles into the skeletal muscles. The present study was a review of researches which have investigated the dry needling method in the treatment of MTP and its impact on improving myofascial pain. Dry needling is a relatively new treatment method. Therefore, further researches are necessary to clarify its mechanism of action and method of use in terms of number of therapy sessions, the length of time the needles remain in the skin, and the number of needles in the muscles.

Research paper thumbnail of Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the fremantle back awareness questionnaire into persian language and the assessment of reliability and validity in patients with chronic low back pain

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 2020

Background: An estimated five million people in England are at increased risk of developing type ... more Background: An estimated five million people in England are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes which is termed 'pre-diabetes'. Diabetes Prevention Programmes (DPPs) comprising intensive lifestyle interventions for the pre-diabetes population may delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, engagement with DPPs is variable with accessibility being a reported barrier; this may be addressed by community pharmacy involvement given its recognition for accessibility. The aim of this study was to explore community pharmacy as an option for the delivery of DPPs by eliciting views and perceptions of healthcare professionals. Methods: Ethical approval was obtained. An exploratory research design using focus groups and semi-structured interviews was adopted to elicit views and perceptions of various healthcare professionals including pharmacists, pharmacy staff, GPs, practice nurses and commissioners. Questions were framed using the COMB framework for behaviour change as it was important to elicit practitioners' capability, opportunity and motivation to engage with providing or referring to a community pharmacy DPP. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Results: In total, two focus groups were held with community pharmacy staff (pharmacists and pharmacy technicians) working for both multiple and independent pharmacies. Eight semi-structured interviews, involving three GPs, three practice nurses, one member of the local pharmaceutical committee and one member of the clinical commissioning group, were also conducted. Data analysis is currently being undertaken and will seek to identify themes that will be mapped to the hub of the behaviour change wheel which identified sources of behaviour that could be targets for intervention. Data will be presented at conference. Conclusions: The findings of this study will not only inform the potential barriers and facilitators to delivering community pharmacy diabetes prevention programmes but will also highlight current challenges facing community pharmacy in England.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Ankle Plantar Flexor Spasticity Level on Balance in Patients With Stroke: Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Study

JMIR Research Protocols, Aug 21, 2020

Background: The lower limb spasticity after stroke can affect the balance and gait of patients wi... more Background: The lower limb spasticity after stroke can affect the balance and gait of patients with stroke. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the effects of ankle plantar flexor spasticity level on balance in patients with stroke. Methods: Patients with stroke were recruited from neurology and physiotherapy clinics in Tehran, Iran. Based on the level of ankle plantar flexor spasticity according to the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS), the eligible patients with stroke were divided into 2 groups: high spasticity (MMAS score≥2) and low spasticity (MMAS score<2). The primary outcome measures were the MMAS scores, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence questionnaire scores, eyes-open and eyes-closed posturography measures, and Timed Up and Go test results. The secondary outcome measures were the ankle passive range of motion and ankle joint proprioception. The t test, mixed model univariate analysis of variance, and Spearman rank correlation were used for statistical analysis. Results: Data collection and statistical analysis are complete. The interpretation of results is underway. We expect the results to be published in winter 2020. Conclusions: We believe that patients with high ankle plantar flexor spasticity after stroke will demonstrate greater balance dysfunction, which will worsen with impaired proprioception, passive range of motion, and eyes closed.

Research paper thumbnail of A Study on the Effects of Dry Needling in Multiple Sclerosis Patients with Spasticity: Protocol of a Randomized Waitlist-Controlled Trial

Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, Apr 30, 2021

Background: Spasticity is a common symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS). Dry needling (DN) has been... more Background: Spasticity is a common symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS). Dry needling (DN) has been considered a useful method for the treatment of spasticity; however, there are no studies on the effects of DN on spasticity in patients with MS. We propose a study protocol aiming to investigate the effects of DN on spasticity in patients with MS. Methods: MS patients with plantar flexor spasticity will be recruited. Participants will be randomly assigned to the DN group, where they will be receiving a single session of DN, one minute for each head of gastrocnemius muscle, or to the waiting list control group with no intervention. Primary outcome measures are the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) for gastrocnemius spasticity, passive resistive torque, and podography for foot pressure distribution. The ankle active and passive range of dorsiflexion and Timed Up and Go tests are the secondary outcome measures. All outcomes will be measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and one week later. A mixed-model, general linear model, and two-way repeated-measures ANOVA will be used to compare the quantitative variables between groups and within groups at the measurement time points. The MAS ordinal measure of spasticity will be compared between groups using the Kruskal-Wallis test, and both the Friedman test and Wilcoxon test will be used for within-group changes. Discussion: This study will provide primary evidence on the effects of DN on gastrocnemius muscle spasticity and gait in patients with MS.

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of dry needling on the radiating pain in subjects with discogenic low-back pain: A randomized control trial

Journal of research in medical sciences : the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 2016

Disk herniation is the most common cause of radiating low back pain (LBP) in subjects under 60 ye... more Disk herniation is the most common cause of radiating low back pain (LBP) in subjects under 60 years of age. The present study aims to compare the effect of dry needling (DN) and a standard conservative approach on the pain and function in subjects with discogenic radiating LBP. Fifty-eight subjects with discogenic radicular LBP were screened and randomized into control (Standard physical therapy, n = 29) and experimental group (Standard physical therapy and DN, n = 29). Radiating pain intensity and disability were measured using visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability indices at baseline, at the end of treatment and 2 months after the last intervention session. The changes in pain intensity and disability were studied using a 3 × 2 repeated measures analysis of variance considering time as the within-subject factor and group as the between-subject. Pain intensity and disability scores decreased significantly in both experimental and control groups (experimental group: VAS...

Research paper thumbnail of Role of Spasticity Severity on the Balance of Post-stroke Patients

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience

Background: Lower limb spasticity after stroke is common that can affect the balance, increase th... more Background: Lower limb spasticity after stroke is common that can affect the balance, increase the risk of falling, and reduces the quality of life.Objective: First, evaluate the effects of spasticity severity of ankle plantar flexors on balance of patients after stroke. Second, to determine the relationship between the spasticity severity with ankle proprioception, passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), and balance confidence.Methods: Twenty-eight patients with stroke based on the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS) were divided into two groups: High Spasticity Group (HSG) (MMAS > 2) (n = 14) or a Low Spasticity Group (LSG) (MMAS ≤ 2) (n = 14). The MMAS scores, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Questionnaire, postural sway of both affected and non-affected limbs under the eyes open and eyes closed conditions, timed up and go (TUG) test, passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM, and ankle joint proprioception were measured.Results: The ankle joint proprioception was sig...

Research paper thumbnail of A Study on the Effects of Dry Needling in Multiple Sclerosis Patients with Spasticity: Protocol of a Randomized Waitlist-Controlled Trial

Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of A Review on the Effects of Dry Needling Method on Myofascial Pain

Journal of Research in Rehabilitation Sciences, 2016

Myofascial pain is one of the most commonly experienced pains in muscles or their fascia and is o... more Myofascial pain is one of the most commonly experienced pains in muscles or their fascia and is often associated with the myofascial trigger point (MTP). Various methods have been employed to relieve chronic MTP pain, but none have been successful in the treatment alone. Dry needling is method that has been used to treat MTP in recent years. This minimally invasive procedure is performed through the insertion of acupuncture needles into the skeletal muscles. The present study was a review of researches which have investigated the dry needling method in the treatment of MTP and its impact on improving myofascial pain. Dry needling is a relatively new treatment method. Therefore, further researches are necessary to clarify its mechanism of action and method of use in terms of number of therapy sessions, the length of time the needles remain in the skin, and the number of needles in the muscles.

Research paper thumbnail of Role of Spasticity Severity on the Balance of Post-stroke Patients

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience

Background: Lower limb spasticity after stroke is common that can affect the balance, increase th... more Background: Lower limb spasticity after stroke is common that can affect the balance, increase the risk of falling, and reduces the quality of life.Objective: First, evaluate the effects of spasticity severity of ankle plantar flexors on balance of patients after stroke. Second, to determine the relationship between the spasticity severity with ankle proprioception, passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), and balance confidence.Methods: Twenty-eight patients with stroke based on the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS) were divided into two groups: High Spasticity Group (HSG) (MMAS > 2) (n = 14) or a Low Spasticity Group (LSG) (MMAS ≤ 2) (n = 14). The MMAS scores, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Questionnaire, postural sway of both affected and non-affected limbs under the eyes open and eyes closed conditions, timed up and go (TUG) test, passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM, and ankle joint proprioception were measured.Results: The ankle joint proprioception was sig...

Research paper thumbnail of Translation and Cross-cultural Adaptation of the Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire into Persian language and the assessment of reliability and validity in patients with chronic low back pain

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences : The Official Journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 2020

Background: Chronic low back pain (LBP) causes some neuroplastic changes in the brain, which resu... more Background: Chronic low back pain (LBP) causes some neuroplastic changes in the brain, which result in body perception impairment. The Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire (FreBAQ) is a suggested tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of back perception in people with LBP. The aim of this study is to translate and cross culturally adapt the FreBAQ into Persian language and to assess its reliability and validity in patients with chronic LBP (CLBP). Materials and Methods: Fifty people with CLBP and fifty healthy people participated in this study. To evaluate the discriminant validity, we assessed the ability of the FreBAQ to discriminate between people with and without LBP. After an interval of 1 week, 25 patients with CLBP completed the questionnaire in the retest session. Data obtained from the first test administration were used for internal consistency and data obtained from repeated testing were used for test–retest reliability. Construct validity was assessed by investigating a...

Research paper thumbnail of A study protocol on the effect of ankle plantar flexor spasticity level on balance in patients with stroke (Preprint)

JMIR Research Protocols, Aug 28, 2019

Background The lower limb spasticity after stroke can affect the balance and gait of patients wit... more Background The lower limb spasticity after stroke can affect the balance and gait of patients with stroke. Objective The aim of this study is to assess the effects of ankle plantar flexor spasticity level on balance in patients with stroke. Methods Patients with stroke were recruited from neurology and physiotherapy clinics in Tehran, Iran. Based on the level of ankle plantar flexor spasticity according to the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS), the eligible patients with stroke were divided into 2 groups: high spasticity (MMAS score≥2) and low spasticity (MMAS score&lt;2). The primary outcome measures were the MMAS scores, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence questionnaire scores, eyes-open and eyes-closed posturography measures, and Timed Up and Go test results. The secondary outcome measures were the ankle passive range of motion and ankle joint proprioception. The t test, mixed model univariate analysis of variance, and Spearman rank correlation were used for statistical analysis. Results Data collection and statistical analysis are complete. The interpretation of results is underway. We expect the results to be published in winter 2020. Conclusions We believe that patients with high ankle plantar flexor spasticity after stroke will demonstrate greater balance dysfunction, which will worsen with impaired proprioception, passive range of motion, and eyes closed. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR1-10.2196/16045

Research paper thumbnail of The Effect of Dry Needling on the Radiating Pain in Subjects with Discogenic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Control Trial

J Res Med Sci, Jun 21, 2016

Background: Disk herniation is the most common cause of radiating LBP in subjects under 60 years ... more Background: Disk herniation is the most common cause of radiating LBP in subjects under 60 years of age. The present study aims to compare the effect of dry needling and a standard conservative approach on the pain and function in subjects with discogenic radiating low back pain. Materials and Methods: Fifty-eight subjects with discogenic radicular low back pain were screened and randomized into control (Standard physical therapy, N = 29) and experimental group (Standard physical therapy & Dry needling, N = 29). Radiating pain intensity and disability were measured using Visual Analogue Scale and Oswestry Disability indices at baseline, at the end of treatment and two months after the last intervention session. the changes in pain intensity and disability were studied using a 3×2 repeated measures analysis of variance considering time as the within-subject factor and group as the between-subject. Results: Pain intensity and disability scores decreased significantly in both experimental and control groups (experimental group: VAS=37.24, ODI=28.48, control group: VAS=45.5, ODI=32.96), following the intervention. The change continued during the follow-up period (P<0.001 for all comparisons). Pain and disability improvement, however, were more significant in experimental group, both in post intervention (experimental group: VAS=25.17, ODI=22.17, control group: VAS=42.4, ODI=30.27) (P=0.05 and P=0.03, respectively) and in follow-up measures (P=0.006 and P=0.002, respectively).Conclusions: Both intervention strategies seem to significantly improve pain and disability immediately following intervention, where the improvement continued during two months after the last active intervention. Therefore, supplementary DN application may enhance the effect of the standard intervention considerably.

Key Words: Low Back Pain, Discogenic, Dry needling.