Silvano Ferrari | Università degli Studi di Padova (original) (raw)

Papers by Silvano Ferrari

Research paper thumbnail of Pain Catastrophising Scale--Italian Version

Research paper thumbnail of The Relationship Between Clinical Instability and Endurance Tests, Pain, and Disability in Nonspecific Low Back Pain

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Jun 1, 2016

Objective: The aims of this study were (1) to investigate the relationship between clinical tests... more Objective: The aims of this study were (1) to investigate the relationship between clinical tests detecting spinal instability and the perceived pain and disability in nonspecific low back pain and (2) to investigate the relationship between endurance and instability tests. Methods: Four instability tests (aberrant movements, active straight leg raising, prone instability test, and passive lumbar extension test) and 2 endurance tests (prone bridge test [PBT] and supine bridge test [SBT]) were performed on 101 participants. Their results were compared with the Numerical Rating Scale and the Oswestry Disability Index evaluating pain and disability, respectively. Results: A low to moderate significant relationship between pain, disability, and all tests with the exception of PBT was observed. A low to moderate significant relationship between endurance tests and instability tests was also shown. The results of PBT and SBT were significantly related to the duration of symptoms (P = .0014 and P = .0203, respectively). Conclusion: The results of endurance and instability tests appear to be related to the amount of pain and the disability in nonspecific low back pain. The persistence of pain significantly reduces anterior and posterior core muscle endurance.

Research paper thumbnail of Sexual disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain—a multicenter retrospective analysis

Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 2019

Oswestry Disability Index includes an item (Oswestry Disability Index-8) aiming to assess sexual ... more Oswestry Disability Index includes an item (Oswestry Disability Index-8) aiming to assess sexual disability associated to low back pain. The aim of this study is to investigate the percentage of participants who answered the Oswestry Disability Index-8, and the relevance and characteristics of sexual disability due to low back pain in Italian patients. [Participants and Methods] Design: multicenter retrospective analysis. Population: six hundred and ninety-seven outpatients with non-specific low back pain. Variables: pain characteristics (amount, localization, and duration of perceived pain), disability, and psychological variables (anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, pain acceptance, and pain vigilance and awareness). [Results] Seventy-seven participants (11.05%) did not answer the Oswestry Disability Index-8. The odds of being not responding to the Oswestry Disability Index-8 item appeared related to age (odds=7.50 for over 60), gender (odds=2.65 for females), and marital status (odds=2.33 for not married). Concerning the psychological variables, Activity Avoidance (coefficient=0.071), Depression (coefficient=0.068), and Rumination (coefficient=0.031) showed a positive impact on sexual disability. [Conclusion] In Italian patients, the percentage of not-responding to Oswestry Disability Index-8 was relatively low. In addition, sexual disability was related to depression, activity avoidance, and rumination.

Research paper thumbnail of Does the awareness of having a lumbar spondylolisthesis influence self-efficacy and kinesiophobia? A retrospective analysis

Archives of Physiotherapy, 2019

BackgroundHigh pain self-efficacy and low kinesiophobia seem related to a better prognosis in pat... more BackgroundHigh pain self-efficacy and low kinesiophobia seem related to a better prognosis in patients complaining of low back pain (LBP). The literature stresses the potential negative effects of anatomical defect diagnosis (e.g. lumbar spondylolisthesis) on the psychological profile. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between awareness of having a spondylolisthesis, pain self-efficacy and kinesiophobia.MethodsA secondary retrospective analysis was done. Ninety-eight subjects with subacute and chronic LBP were included: 49 subjects with diagnosed symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis and 49 subjects with diagnosed non-specific LBP. The pain self-efficacy measured with the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire and the fear of movement measured with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia were considered variables to investigate, whereas diagnosis and demographic/clinical variables were considered predictors or potential confounders.ResultsBy comparing the two groups, the a...

Research paper thumbnail of Can physical therapy centred on cognitive and behavioural principles improve pain self-efficacy in symptomatic lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis? A case series

Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2016

Can Physical Therapy centred on cognitive and behavioural principles improve Pain Self-Efficacy i... more Can Physical Therapy centred on cognitive and behavioural principles improve Pain Self-Efficacy in symptomatic lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis? A case series.

Research paper thumbnail of Responsiveness and Minimal Important Change of the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire and Short Forms in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain

The Journal of Pain, Jun 1, 2016

change scores of the NeckPix© and GPEs]. ROC curves were also used to compute MICs. Results The E... more change scores of the NeckPix© and GPEs]. ROC curves were also used to compute MICs. Results The ES ranged from 0.95 to 1.26 and the SRM from 0.84 to 0.98 at post-treatment and follow-up based on subjects' and physiotherapists' perspective. The ROC analyses revealed AUCs of 0.89 and 0.97 at post-treatment and follow-up, respectively; MICs (sensitivity; specificity) were of 6 (0.82; 0.88) and 8 (0.80; 0.92) at post-treatment and of 8 (0.95; 0.90 based on subjects and 0.95; 0.92 based on physiotherapists perspective) at follow-up. The correlations between change scores of the NeckPix© and GPEs ranged from −0.69 to −0.82. Conclusions The NeckPix© was sensitive in detecting clinical changes in subjects with chronic neck pain undergoing rehabilitation. We recommend taking the MICs provided into account when assessing subjects' improvement or planning studies in this clinical context.

Research paper thumbnail of The Influence of Low Back Pain on Sexual Life. A Qualitative Study

Research paper thumbnail of MOESM1 of Is there a relationship between self-efficacy, disability, pain and sociodemographic characteristics in chronic low back pain? A multicenter retrospective analysis

Additional file 1: Table S3.1. Univariate linear regression association analysis with PSEQ. Table... more Additional file 1: Table S3.1. Univariate linear regression association analysis with PSEQ. Table S3.2. Univariate logistic regression association analysis with PSEQ. Table S3.3. Univariate linear regression association analysis with NRS. Table S3.4. Univariate linear regression association analysis with RMDQ.

Research paper thumbnail of Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory--Italian Version

Research paper thumbnail of Sexual disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain—a multicenter retrospective analysis

Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 2019

Oswestry Disability Index includes an item (Oswestry Disability Index-8) aiming to assess sexual ... more Oswestry Disability Index includes an item (Oswestry Disability Index-8) aiming to assess sexual disability associated to low back pain. The aim of this study is to investigate the percentage of participants who answered the Oswestry Disability Index-8, and the relevance and characteristics of sexual disability due to low back pain in Italian patients. [Participants and Methods] Design: multicenter retrospective analysis. Population: six hundred and ninety-seven outpatients with non-specific low back pain. Variables: pain characteristics (amount, localization, and duration of perceived pain), disability, and psychological variables (anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, pain acceptance, and pain vigilance and awareness). [Results] Seventy-seven participants (11.05%) did not answer the Oswestry Disability Index-8. The odds of being not responding to the Oswestry Disability Index-8 item appeared related to age (odds=7.50 for over 60), gender (odds=2.65 for females), and marital status (odds=2.33 for not married). Concerning the psychological variables, Activity Avoidance (coefficient=0.071), Depression (coefficient=0.068), and Rumination (coefficient=0.031) showed a positive impact on sexual disability. [Conclusion] In Italian patients, the percentage of not-responding to Oswestry Disability Index-8 was relatively low. In addition, sexual disability was related to depression, activity avoidance, and rumination.

Research paper thumbnail of Low back pain and sexual disability from the patient’s perspective: a qualitative study

Disability and Rehabilitation, 2020

Purpose: The aim of this qualitative study is to investigate, from patient's perspective, the asp... more Purpose: The aim of this qualitative study is to investigate, from patient's perspective, the aspects of the relationship between low back pain and sexual life on physical, psychological and social aspects of individual's life. In addition, this study aims to explore patients' opinions on the role of health care providers in addressing and treating low back pain-related sexual problems. Materials and Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 outpatients referred to physical therapy for subacute or chronic non-specific low back pain; the questions investigated the presence of sexual disability and aspects related to patient's behaviour. Two independent physical therapists, supervised by a third expert physical therapist and a clinical psychologist proficient in qualitative methodology, performed thematic content analysis to identify categories and themes. Results: Patients with low back pain consider sexual disability severely limiting and correlated to pain. This study emphasized the perception of invalidity, the importance of the relationship with the partner, the emotions and gender roles in the couple, and the relevance for health care providers to take part in the clinical management. The physical therapist is believed to be a qualified figure to address this issue and specific suggestions on sexual activity could be useful. Conclusion: Sexual disability in patients with subacute or chronic LBP acquires an important and individual meaning that can be investigated within the therapeutic context, especially by physical therapists. ä IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Sexual disability related to low back pain is considered an important and meaningful topic from the patient's perspective. This reflects the importance of the emotional relationship with the partner. Within the therapeutic context, it is important to provide information to help manage pain during sexual activity. The physical therapist is seen to be a qualified figure to address this issue.

Research paper thumbnail of How many physical therapy sessions are required to reach a good outcome in symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis? A retrospective study

Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2016

How many physical therapy sessions are required to reach a good outcome in symptomatic lumbar spo... more How many physical therapy sessions are required to reach a good outcome in symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis? A retrospective study Fill in information in each box below Article Title How many physical therapy sessions are required in symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis? A retrospective study MeSH termsonly use MeSH terms that can be found at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/meshhome.html Low Back Pain, Spondylolisthesis, Physical Therapy Running head Physical therapy in symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis Word count for text 2158 Word count for structured abstract 246 Statement of the sources of grant support No conflicts of interest were reported for this study.

Research paper thumbnail of Erratum to: Chronic neck pain and treatment of cognitive and behavioural factors: results of a randomised controlled clinical trial

European Spine Journal, 2012

Purpose Although there is growing evidence in favour of the bio-psychosocial approach to the trea... more Purpose Although there is growing evidence in favour of the bio-psychosocial approach to the treatment of persistent neck pain, it is questioned whether treating psychological factors can improve patient perceptions of disability, pain and quality of life. This randomised, controlled study with 12 months' follow-up was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of adding cognitive-behavioural principles to exercises for chronic neck pain. Methods Eighty patients were randomly assigned to the usual neck exercises plus cognitive-behavioural treatment (PTcb group, 40 subjects) or to treatment based on neck exercises alone (PT group, 40 subjects). Before treatment (T1), at the end of treatment (T2) and 12 months later (T3), all of the patients completed a booklet including the Neck Pain and Disability Scale, a numerical rating scale, and the Short-Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Results The present trial failed to demonstrate its primary end point: the pre-and post-treatment difference in total NPDS scores was not statistically different between groups. Disability improved similarly in both groups over time, remaining stable until T3 in the PTcb group and slightly increasing at the same time in the PT group. Pain trends were comparable, with both groups showing an improvement between T1 and T2, and a slight worsening between T2 and T3. There were significant increases in all of the SF-36 domains except for health in general, and vitality in both groups by the end of treatment. SF-36 showed a between-group difference only for the physical activity domain (10.4; 95 % CI 2.4-18.5). Conclusion Disability, pain and quality of life improved at the end of treatment in both groups, without differences between them.

Research paper thumbnail of Chronic neck pain and treatment of cognitive and behavioural factors: results of a randomised controlled clinical trial

European Spine Journal, 2012

Purpose Although there is growing evidence in favour of the bio-psychosocial approach to the trea... more Purpose Although there is growing evidence in favour of the bio-psychosocial approach to the treatment of persistent neck pain, it is questioned whether treating psychological factors can improve patient perceptions of disability, pain and quality of life. This randomised, controlled study with 12 months' follow-up was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of adding cognitive-behavioural principles to exercises for chronic neck pain. Methods Eighty patients were randomly assigned to the usual neck exercises plus cognitive-behavioural treatment (PTcb group, 40 subjects) or to treatment based on neck exercises alone (PT group, 40 subjects). Before treatment (T1), at the end of treatment (T2) and 12 months later (T3), all of the patients completed a booklet including the Neck Pain and Disability Scale, a numerical rating scale, and the Short-Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Results The present trial failed to demonstrate its primary end point: the pre-and post-treatment difference in total NPDS scores was not statistically different between groups. Disability improved similarly in both groups over time, remaining stable until T3 in the PTcb group and slightly increasing at the same time in the PT group. Pain trends were comparable, with both groups showing an improvement between T1 and T2, and a slight worsening between T2 and T3. There were significant increases in all of the SF-36 domains except for health in general, and vitality in both groups by the end of treatment. SF-36 showed a between-group difference only for the physical activity domain (10.4; 95 % CI 2.4-18.5). Conclusion Disability, pain and quality of life improved at the end of treatment in both groups, without differences between them.

Research paper thumbnail of Pain Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire--Italian Version

Research paper thumbnail of JCM2012FerrariVantiOReilly

Research paper thumbnail of Is there a relationship between self-efficacy, disability, pain and sociodemographic characteristics in chronic low back pain? A multicenter retrospective analysis

Archives of Physiotherapy

BackgroundPain-related self-efficacy is defined as the beliefs held by people with chronic pain t... more BackgroundPain-related self-efficacy is defined as the beliefs held by people with chronic pain that certain activities can be carried out despite the pain. Poor self-efficacy is an obstacle to the recovery and predicts long-term disability. The aims of this study are to investigate the prevalence of poor pain self-efficacy in Italian subjects with chronic low back pain (LBP), and to inquire the relationships between self-efficacy, disability, pain, and main demographic and clinical characteristics.MethodsA secondary multicenter retrospective analysis was done on 310 outpatients with chronic non-specific LBP. The pain self-efficacy measured with the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), the disability measured with the Roland & Morris Disability Questionnaire, and the pain intensity measured with the Numerical Rating Scale were considered variables to investigate, whereas demographic and clinical variables were considered predictors or potential confounders. A 40/60 PSEQ score wa...

Research paper thumbnail of Manual therapy for non-specific thoracic pain in adults: Review of the literature

Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Lumbar instability clinical tests, pain and disability in subjects with symptomatic spondylolisthesis . A cross - sectional diagnostic test study

Research paper thumbnail of Search strings for efficient retrieval of Manual Therapy literature in PubMed database

Research paper thumbnail of Pain Catastrophising Scale--Italian Version

Research paper thumbnail of The Relationship Between Clinical Instability and Endurance Tests, Pain, and Disability in Nonspecific Low Back Pain

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Jun 1, 2016

Objective: The aims of this study were (1) to investigate the relationship between clinical tests... more Objective: The aims of this study were (1) to investigate the relationship between clinical tests detecting spinal instability and the perceived pain and disability in nonspecific low back pain and (2) to investigate the relationship between endurance and instability tests. Methods: Four instability tests (aberrant movements, active straight leg raising, prone instability test, and passive lumbar extension test) and 2 endurance tests (prone bridge test [PBT] and supine bridge test [SBT]) were performed on 101 participants. Their results were compared with the Numerical Rating Scale and the Oswestry Disability Index evaluating pain and disability, respectively. Results: A low to moderate significant relationship between pain, disability, and all tests with the exception of PBT was observed. A low to moderate significant relationship between endurance tests and instability tests was also shown. The results of PBT and SBT were significantly related to the duration of symptoms (P = .0014 and P = .0203, respectively). Conclusion: The results of endurance and instability tests appear to be related to the amount of pain and the disability in nonspecific low back pain. The persistence of pain significantly reduces anterior and posterior core muscle endurance.

Research paper thumbnail of Sexual disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain—a multicenter retrospective analysis

Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 2019

Oswestry Disability Index includes an item (Oswestry Disability Index-8) aiming to assess sexual ... more Oswestry Disability Index includes an item (Oswestry Disability Index-8) aiming to assess sexual disability associated to low back pain. The aim of this study is to investigate the percentage of participants who answered the Oswestry Disability Index-8, and the relevance and characteristics of sexual disability due to low back pain in Italian patients. [Participants and Methods] Design: multicenter retrospective analysis. Population: six hundred and ninety-seven outpatients with non-specific low back pain. Variables: pain characteristics (amount, localization, and duration of perceived pain), disability, and psychological variables (anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, pain acceptance, and pain vigilance and awareness). [Results] Seventy-seven participants (11.05%) did not answer the Oswestry Disability Index-8. The odds of being not responding to the Oswestry Disability Index-8 item appeared related to age (odds=7.50 for over 60), gender (odds=2.65 for females), and marital status (odds=2.33 for not married). Concerning the psychological variables, Activity Avoidance (coefficient=0.071), Depression (coefficient=0.068), and Rumination (coefficient=0.031) showed a positive impact on sexual disability. [Conclusion] In Italian patients, the percentage of not-responding to Oswestry Disability Index-8 was relatively low. In addition, sexual disability was related to depression, activity avoidance, and rumination.

Research paper thumbnail of Does the awareness of having a lumbar spondylolisthesis influence self-efficacy and kinesiophobia? A retrospective analysis

Archives of Physiotherapy, 2019

BackgroundHigh pain self-efficacy and low kinesiophobia seem related to a better prognosis in pat... more BackgroundHigh pain self-efficacy and low kinesiophobia seem related to a better prognosis in patients complaining of low back pain (LBP). The literature stresses the potential negative effects of anatomical defect diagnosis (e.g. lumbar spondylolisthesis) on the psychological profile. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between awareness of having a spondylolisthesis, pain self-efficacy and kinesiophobia.MethodsA secondary retrospective analysis was done. Ninety-eight subjects with subacute and chronic LBP were included: 49 subjects with diagnosed symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis and 49 subjects with diagnosed non-specific LBP. The pain self-efficacy measured with the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire and the fear of movement measured with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia were considered variables to investigate, whereas diagnosis and demographic/clinical variables were considered predictors or potential confounders.ResultsBy comparing the two groups, the a...

Research paper thumbnail of Can physical therapy centred on cognitive and behavioural principles improve pain self-efficacy in symptomatic lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis? A case series

Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2016

Can Physical Therapy centred on cognitive and behavioural principles improve Pain Self-Efficacy i... more Can Physical Therapy centred on cognitive and behavioural principles improve Pain Self-Efficacy in symptomatic lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis? A case series.

Research paper thumbnail of Responsiveness and Minimal Important Change of the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire and Short Forms in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain

The Journal of Pain, Jun 1, 2016

change scores of the NeckPix© and GPEs]. ROC curves were also used to compute MICs. Results The E... more change scores of the NeckPix© and GPEs]. ROC curves were also used to compute MICs. Results The ES ranged from 0.95 to 1.26 and the SRM from 0.84 to 0.98 at post-treatment and follow-up based on subjects' and physiotherapists' perspective. The ROC analyses revealed AUCs of 0.89 and 0.97 at post-treatment and follow-up, respectively; MICs (sensitivity; specificity) were of 6 (0.82; 0.88) and 8 (0.80; 0.92) at post-treatment and of 8 (0.95; 0.90 based on subjects and 0.95; 0.92 based on physiotherapists perspective) at follow-up. The correlations between change scores of the NeckPix© and GPEs ranged from −0.69 to −0.82. Conclusions The NeckPix© was sensitive in detecting clinical changes in subjects with chronic neck pain undergoing rehabilitation. We recommend taking the MICs provided into account when assessing subjects' improvement or planning studies in this clinical context.

Research paper thumbnail of The Influence of Low Back Pain on Sexual Life. A Qualitative Study

Research paper thumbnail of MOESM1 of Is there a relationship between self-efficacy, disability, pain and sociodemographic characteristics in chronic low back pain? A multicenter retrospective analysis

Additional file 1: Table S3.1. Univariate linear regression association analysis with PSEQ. Table... more Additional file 1: Table S3.1. Univariate linear regression association analysis with PSEQ. Table S3.2. Univariate logistic regression association analysis with PSEQ. Table S3.3. Univariate linear regression association analysis with NRS. Table S3.4. Univariate linear regression association analysis with RMDQ.

Research paper thumbnail of Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory--Italian Version

Research paper thumbnail of Sexual disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain—a multicenter retrospective analysis

Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 2019

Oswestry Disability Index includes an item (Oswestry Disability Index-8) aiming to assess sexual ... more Oswestry Disability Index includes an item (Oswestry Disability Index-8) aiming to assess sexual disability associated to low back pain. The aim of this study is to investigate the percentage of participants who answered the Oswestry Disability Index-8, and the relevance and characteristics of sexual disability due to low back pain in Italian patients. [Participants and Methods] Design: multicenter retrospective analysis. Population: six hundred and ninety-seven outpatients with non-specific low back pain. Variables: pain characteristics (amount, localization, and duration of perceived pain), disability, and psychological variables (anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, pain acceptance, and pain vigilance and awareness). [Results] Seventy-seven participants (11.05%) did not answer the Oswestry Disability Index-8. The odds of being not responding to the Oswestry Disability Index-8 item appeared related to age (odds=7.50 for over 60), gender (odds=2.65 for females), and marital status (odds=2.33 for not married). Concerning the psychological variables, Activity Avoidance (coefficient=0.071), Depression (coefficient=0.068), and Rumination (coefficient=0.031) showed a positive impact on sexual disability. [Conclusion] In Italian patients, the percentage of not-responding to Oswestry Disability Index-8 was relatively low. In addition, sexual disability was related to depression, activity avoidance, and rumination.

Research paper thumbnail of Low back pain and sexual disability from the patient’s perspective: a qualitative study

Disability and Rehabilitation, 2020

Purpose: The aim of this qualitative study is to investigate, from patient's perspective, the asp... more Purpose: The aim of this qualitative study is to investigate, from patient's perspective, the aspects of the relationship between low back pain and sexual life on physical, psychological and social aspects of individual's life. In addition, this study aims to explore patients' opinions on the role of health care providers in addressing and treating low back pain-related sexual problems. Materials and Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 outpatients referred to physical therapy for subacute or chronic non-specific low back pain; the questions investigated the presence of sexual disability and aspects related to patient's behaviour. Two independent physical therapists, supervised by a third expert physical therapist and a clinical psychologist proficient in qualitative methodology, performed thematic content analysis to identify categories and themes. Results: Patients with low back pain consider sexual disability severely limiting and correlated to pain. This study emphasized the perception of invalidity, the importance of the relationship with the partner, the emotions and gender roles in the couple, and the relevance for health care providers to take part in the clinical management. The physical therapist is believed to be a qualified figure to address this issue and specific suggestions on sexual activity could be useful. Conclusion: Sexual disability in patients with subacute or chronic LBP acquires an important and individual meaning that can be investigated within the therapeutic context, especially by physical therapists. ä IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Sexual disability related to low back pain is considered an important and meaningful topic from the patient's perspective. This reflects the importance of the emotional relationship with the partner. Within the therapeutic context, it is important to provide information to help manage pain during sexual activity. The physical therapist is seen to be a qualified figure to address this issue.

Research paper thumbnail of How many physical therapy sessions are required to reach a good outcome in symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis? A retrospective study

Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2016

How many physical therapy sessions are required to reach a good outcome in symptomatic lumbar spo... more How many physical therapy sessions are required to reach a good outcome in symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis? A retrospective study Fill in information in each box below Article Title How many physical therapy sessions are required in symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis? A retrospective study MeSH termsonly use MeSH terms that can be found at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/meshhome.html Low Back Pain, Spondylolisthesis, Physical Therapy Running head Physical therapy in symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis Word count for text 2158 Word count for structured abstract 246 Statement of the sources of grant support No conflicts of interest were reported for this study.

Research paper thumbnail of Erratum to: Chronic neck pain and treatment of cognitive and behavioural factors: results of a randomised controlled clinical trial

European Spine Journal, 2012

Purpose Although there is growing evidence in favour of the bio-psychosocial approach to the trea... more Purpose Although there is growing evidence in favour of the bio-psychosocial approach to the treatment of persistent neck pain, it is questioned whether treating psychological factors can improve patient perceptions of disability, pain and quality of life. This randomised, controlled study with 12 months' follow-up was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of adding cognitive-behavioural principles to exercises for chronic neck pain. Methods Eighty patients were randomly assigned to the usual neck exercises plus cognitive-behavioural treatment (PTcb group, 40 subjects) or to treatment based on neck exercises alone (PT group, 40 subjects). Before treatment (T1), at the end of treatment (T2) and 12 months later (T3), all of the patients completed a booklet including the Neck Pain and Disability Scale, a numerical rating scale, and the Short-Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Results The present trial failed to demonstrate its primary end point: the pre-and post-treatment difference in total NPDS scores was not statistically different between groups. Disability improved similarly in both groups over time, remaining stable until T3 in the PTcb group and slightly increasing at the same time in the PT group. Pain trends were comparable, with both groups showing an improvement between T1 and T2, and a slight worsening between T2 and T3. There were significant increases in all of the SF-36 domains except for health in general, and vitality in both groups by the end of treatment. SF-36 showed a between-group difference only for the physical activity domain (10.4; 95 % CI 2.4-18.5). Conclusion Disability, pain and quality of life improved at the end of treatment in both groups, without differences between them.

Research paper thumbnail of Chronic neck pain and treatment of cognitive and behavioural factors: results of a randomised controlled clinical trial

European Spine Journal, 2012

Purpose Although there is growing evidence in favour of the bio-psychosocial approach to the trea... more Purpose Although there is growing evidence in favour of the bio-psychosocial approach to the treatment of persistent neck pain, it is questioned whether treating psychological factors can improve patient perceptions of disability, pain and quality of life. This randomised, controlled study with 12 months' follow-up was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of adding cognitive-behavioural principles to exercises for chronic neck pain. Methods Eighty patients were randomly assigned to the usual neck exercises plus cognitive-behavioural treatment (PTcb group, 40 subjects) or to treatment based on neck exercises alone (PT group, 40 subjects). Before treatment (T1), at the end of treatment (T2) and 12 months later (T3), all of the patients completed a booklet including the Neck Pain and Disability Scale, a numerical rating scale, and the Short-Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Results The present trial failed to demonstrate its primary end point: the pre-and post-treatment difference in total NPDS scores was not statistically different between groups. Disability improved similarly in both groups over time, remaining stable until T3 in the PTcb group and slightly increasing at the same time in the PT group. Pain trends were comparable, with both groups showing an improvement between T1 and T2, and a slight worsening between T2 and T3. There were significant increases in all of the SF-36 domains except for health in general, and vitality in both groups by the end of treatment. SF-36 showed a between-group difference only for the physical activity domain (10.4; 95 % CI 2.4-18.5). Conclusion Disability, pain and quality of life improved at the end of treatment in both groups, without differences between them.

Research paper thumbnail of Pain Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire--Italian Version

Research paper thumbnail of JCM2012FerrariVantiOReilly

Research paper thumbnail of Is there a relationship between self-efficacy, disability, pain and sociodemographic characteristics in chronic low back pain? A multicenter retrospective analysis

Archives of Physiotherapy

BackgroundPain-related self-efficacy is defined as the beliefs held by people with chronic pain t... more BackgroundPain-related self-efficacy is defined as the beliefs held by people with chronic pain that certain activities can be carried out despite the pain. Poor self-efficacy is an obstacle to the recovery and predicts long-term disability. The aims of this study are to investigate the prevalence of poor pain self-efficacy in Italian subjects with chronic low back pain (LBP), and to inquire the relationships between self-efficacy, disability, pain, and main demographic and clinical characteristics.MethodsA secondary multicenter retrospective analysis was done on 310 outpatients with chronic non-specific LBP. The pain self-efficacy measured with the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), the disability measured with the Roland & Morris Disability Questionnaire, and the pain intensity measured with the Numerical Rating Scale were considered variables to investigate, whereas demographic and clinical variables were considered predictors or potential confounders. A 40/60 PSEQ score wa...

Research paper thumbnail of Manual therapy for non-specific thoracic pain in adults: Review of the literature

Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Lumbar instability clinical tests, pain and disability in subjects with symptomatic spondylolisthesis . A cross - sectional diagnostic test study

Research paper thumbnail of Search strings for efficient retrieval of Manual Therapy literature in PubMed database