Faculty Bibliography

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) pose a significant problem for active duty service members (ADSMs). MSIs may compromise readiness and are one of the main reasons for separation from the Navy and long-term disability. Implementation of optimal treatment strategies rests on understanding the characteristics of MSI complaints in a given population. This study reports on the frequency and nature of MSI complaints of ADSMs seeking care at a military treatment facility (MTF). MATERIALS AND METHODS/METHODS:As part of a larger quasi-experimental study, data on MSIs from ADSMs reporting to an MTF were collected. Subjects completed a baseline questionnaire during an initial evaluation, including the self-reported MSIs for which participants were seeking care, time since onset, and other MSI comorbidities. RESULTS:Of the 289 respondents, 118 (41%) were female and 172 (59%) were male. The mean age was 33 years (SD = 8). The most frequently reported injury was low-back pain (n = 79, 27%), followed by knee pain (n = 60, 21%) and shoulder pain (n = 55, 19%). Thirty-four (12%) respondents reported injuries to the ankle or foot. The remaining respondents (21%) reported injuries to the neck, mid-back, arm or hand, hip, or other. Sixty-five (22%) reported an acute/subacute injury of less than 3 months, whereas 224 (78%) reported chronic injury >3 months. Furthermore, MSI comorbidities were reported by 233 (80%) of respondents with 128 of those reporting more than one. CONCLUSIONS:Back and knee injuries were most prevalent in ADSMs reporting an MSI at a Navy shore-based MTF. Shoulder injuries were also common. Of interest, 80% of ADSMs reported at least one MSI comorbidity and 80% reported chronic injury in this study. These rates are higher than those found in a previous study of ADSMs deployed on a carrier. This is notable because chronicity and multiple MSIs are obstacles to readiness. Our findings suggest that ADSMs reporting to shore-based facilities may be at higher risk for disability than their deployed counterparts. This information is important to the development of targeted care to improve readiness in this population.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) are a leading cause of separation from the U.S. Navy. Data have shown that several psychological responses to MSI are associated with treatment outcomes. Yellow flags are maladaptive psychological responses to injury and predict delayed recovery, whereas pink flags indicate resilience after MSI and are associated with good treatment outcomes. Identifying these factors in patients with MSI would permit early targeted care to address factors that may delay their readiness for deployment and enhance factors that support recovery. MATERIALS AND METHODS/METHODS:Active duty service members with MSI who reported to physical therapy outpatient services at a naval hospital were recruited for the study. Yellow flags were assessed at baseline as part of a larger study. Participants completed the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (with two subscales, physical activity and work), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Clinically relevant cut-off scores were used to indicate risk factors of delayed recovery. Pink flags were assessed with the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire and a measure of positive outcome expectations for recovery. RESULTS:Two hundred and ninety participants responded to some or all of the questionnaires. Of these, 82% exceeded the cut-off scores on the physical activity subscale of the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, and 39% did so on the work subscale. Pain catastrophizing exceeded the cut-off in only 4.9% of the sample. Forty-three percent of these exceeded the cut-off for the anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; 27% exceeded the cut-off on the depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Additionally, 54% endorsed scores greater than 40 on the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, and 53% endorsed a high score on the positive outcome expectations. CONCLUSIONS:A substantial portion of the sample endorsed elevated scores on one or more indicators of delayed recovery from MSI. Most participants showed a fear of physical activity, and approximately half reported pain-related distress (anxiety and depression). In addition, feelings of self-efficacy and positive outcome expectations of treatment were endorsed by only about half of the participants, indicating that the remaining half did not report adaptive responses to MSI. Early identification of these risk factors will allow for targeted treatment approaches that incorporate these yellow flags into treatment and support a psychologically informed approach to physical therapy. This approach is likely to reduce delayed recovery and improve deployment readiness.

INTRODUCTION/UNASSIGNED:Older adults comprise a large portion of back pain (BP) sufferers but are under-represented in the literature. Patients over age 65 present with different clinical characteristics and psychosocial needs than younger patients. Therefore, recommended patient-centered outcomes for BP may not be relevant to older patients. RESEARCH QUESTION/UNASSIGNED:What treatment outcomes are most important to adults over 65 years of age? MATERIALS AND METHODS/UNASSIGNED:We queried older adults seeking treatment for BP using qualitative methods. Participants were asked about their goals and expectations of treatment in an audio-taped interview. Audiotapes were transcribed, coded and analyzed by the investigators. Using thematic analysis, main themes and constructs were extracted and interpreted by the investigators. From there we were able to generate hypotheses about what older patients want from spine treatment. RESULTS/UNASSIGNED:For all participants, age played a role in their treatment goals as a moderator or motivator. They were most concerned with returning to usual activities and preventing further physical limitations to maintain independence. Goals that reflect important outcomes such as increasing walking tolerance and improving balance were of particular importance. Confidence in the provider acted as a facilitator of goals. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION/UNASSIGNED:Unlike their younger cohorts, they did not emphasize work-related outcomes and pain relief. These findings can be tested in future quantitative studies and will help to develop protocols for outcomes assessment in older adults. This study is a first step towards understanding and improving the quality of care for older patients with back pain.

INTRODUCTION:Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a primary cause of separation and long-term disability in active duty service members (ADSMs). Psychologically informed physical therapy (PiPT) is designed to identify and address modifiable psychological risk factors early in an MSD episode and has been proven effective in preventing chronicity in civilian populations. We developed a course to train military physical therapy (PT) personnel in PiPT for treating ADSM with MSD. This study tests the feasibility and effectiveness of our training. OBJECTIVE:Establish the feasibility of implementing PiPT and its effectiveness in the U.S. military. MATERIALS AND METHODS:An observational, prospective, comparative cohort study will test implementation and effectiveness. First, we will observe clinical outcomes in a cohort of ADSM with MSD receiving usual PT care at a military outpatient PT clinic. Next, we will train all PT staff in PiPT. Finally, PiPT will be implemented in a second cohort of ADSM. Data will be collected from each cohort at pre-treatment, fourth PT visit, 6 months post enrollment, and 12 months post enrollment. The primary outcomes are pain interference and psychological risk for chronicity. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS:Data collection is ongoing. Findings will identify the factors associated with PiPT outcomes in ADSM, inform the implementation of PiPT across health care settings, and allow us to document the prevalence of risk factors for chronicity in ADSM. Findings can help to prevent chronification from MSD, thereby reducing lost man-hours and enhancing military readiness, contribute to the development of a highly skilled workforce for the provision of health services to ADSM, and enhance the efficiency of health care delivery through optimal allocation of PT resources, resulting in significant cost savings for the military.

INTRODUCTION/UNASSIGNED:The purpose is to report on the fourth set of recommendations developed by SPINE20 to advocate for evidence-based spine care globally under the theme of "One Earth, One Family, One Future WITHOUT Spine DISABILITY". RESEARCH QUESTION/UNASSIGNED:Not applicable. MATERIAL AND METHODS/UNASSIGNED:Recommendations were developed and refined through two modified Delphi processes with international, multi-professional panels. RESULTS/UNASSIGNED:Seven recommendations were delivered to the G20 countries calling them to:-establish, prioritize and implement accessible National Spine Care Programs to improve spine care and health outcomes.-eliminate structural barriers to accessing timely rehabilitation for spinal disorders to reduce poverty.-implement cost-effective, evidence-based practice for digital transformation in spine care, to deliver self-management and prevention, evaluate practice and measure outcomes.-monitor and reduce safety lapses in primary care including missed diagnoses of serious spine pathologies and risk factors for spinal disability and chronicity.-develop, implement and evaluate standardization processes for spine care delivery systems tailored to individual and population health needs.-ensure accessible and affordable quality care to persons with spine disorders, injuries and related disabilities throughout the lifespan.-promote and facilitate healthy lifestyle choices (including physical activity, nutrition, smoking cessation) to improve spine wellness and health. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION/UNASSIGNED:SPINE20 proposes that focusing on the recommendations would facilitate equitable access to health systems, affordable spine care delivered by a competent healthcare workforce, and education of persons with spine disorders, which will contribute to reducing spine disability, associated poverty, and increase productivity of the G20 nations.

BACKGROUND:Studies have utilized psychological questionnaires to identify the psychological distress among certain surgical populations. RESEARCH QUESTION/OBJECTIVE:Is there an additional psychological burden among patients undergoing surgical treatment for their symptomatic degenerative cervical disease? MATERIALS AND METHODS/METHODS:Patients>18 years of age with symptomatic, degenerative cervical spine disease were included and prospectively enrolled. Correlations and multivariable logistic regression analysis assessed the relationship between these mental health components (PCS, FABQ) and the severity of disability described by the NDI, EQ-5D, and mJOA score. Patient distress scores were compared to previously published benchmarks for other diagnoses. RESULTS:). Increasing neck disability and decreasing EQ-5D were correlated with greater PCS and FABQ(all p<0.001). Patients with severe psychological distress at baseline were more likely to report severe neck disability, while physician-reported mJOA had weaker associations. Compared to historical controls of lumbar patients, patients in our study had greater levels of psychological distress, as measured by FABQ (40.0 vs 17.6;p<0.001) and PCS (27.4 vs 19.3;p<0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Degenerative cervical spine patients seeking surgery were found to have a significant level of psychological distress, with a large portion reporting severe fear avoidance beliefs and catastrophizing pain at baseline. Strong correlation was seen between patient-reported functional metrics, but less so with physician-reported signs and symptoms. Additionally, this population demonstrated higher psychological burden in certain respects than previously identified benchmarks of patients with other disorders. Preoperative treatment to help mitigate this distress, impact postoperative outcomes, and should be further investigated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/METHODS:Level III.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:Globally, spine disorders are the leading cause of disability, affecting more than half a billion individuals. However, less than 50% of G20 countries specifically identify spine health within their public policy priorities. Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness among policy makers of the disabling effect of spine disorders and their impact on the economic welfare of G20 nations. In 2019, SPINE20 was established as the leading advocacy group to bring global attention to spine disorders. METHODS:Recommendations were developed through two Delphi methods with international and multi-professional panels. RESULTS:In 2022, seven recommendations were delivered to the leaders of G20 countries, urging them to: Develop action plans to provide universal access to evidence-based spine care that incorporates the needs of minorities and vulnerable populations. Invest in the development of sustainable human resource capacity, through multisectoral and inter-professional competency-based education and training to promote evidence-based approaches to spine care, and to build an appropriate healthcare working environment that optimizes the delivery of safe health services. Develop policies using the best available evidence to properly manage spine disorders and to prolong functional healthy life expectancy in the era of an aging population. Create a competent workforce and improve the healthcare infrastructure/facilities including equipment to provide evidence-based inter-professional rehabilitation services to patients with spinal cord injury throughout their continuum of care. Build collaborative and innovative translational research capacity within national, regional, and global healthcare systems for state-of-the-art and cost-effective spine care across the healthcare continuum ensuring equality, diversity, and inclusion of all stakeholders. Develop international consensus statements on patient outcomes and how they can be used to define and develop pathways for value-based care. Recognize that intervening on determinants of health including physical activity, nutrition, physical and psychosocial workplace environment, and smoking-free lifestyle can reduce the burden of spine disabilities and improve the health status and wellness of the population. At the third SPINE20 summit 2022 which took place in Bali, Indonesia, in August 2022, 17 associations endorsed its recommendations. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:SPINE20 advocacy efforts focus on developing public policy recommendations to improve the health, welfare, and wellness of all who suffer from spinal pain and disability. We propose that focusing on facilitating access to systems that prioritize value-based care delivered by a competent healthcare workforce will reduce disability and improve the productivity of the G20 nations.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:The focus of SPINE20 is to develop evidence-based policy recommendations for the G20 countries to work with governments to reduce the burden of spine disease, and disability. METHODS:On September 17-18, 2021, SPINE20 held its annual meeting in Rome, Italy. Prior to the meeting, the SPINE20 created six proposed recommendations. These recommendations were uploaded to the SPINE20 website 10 days before the meeting and opened to the public for comments. The recommendations were discussed at the meeting allowing the participants to object and provide comments. RESULTS:In total, 27 societies endorsed the following recommendations. SPINE20 calls upon the G20 countries: (1) to expand telehealth for the access to spine care, especially in light of the current situation with COVID-19. (2) To adopt value-based interprofessional spine care as an approach to improve patient outcomes and reduce disability. (3) To facilitate access and invest in the development of a competent rehabilitation workforce to reduce the burden of disability related to spine disorders. (4) To adopt a strategy to promote daily physical activity and exercises among the elderly population to maintain an active and independent life with a healthy spine, particularly after COVID-19 pandemic. (5) To engage in capacity building with emerging countries and underserved communities for the benefit of spine patients. (6) To promote strategies to transfer evidence-based advances into patient benefit through effective implementation processes. CONCLUSIONS:SPINE20's initiatives will make governments and decision makers aware of efforts to reduce needless suffering from disabling spine pain through education that can be instituted across the globe.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:This brief report describes the number and nature of cases of musculoskeletal pain and injury among sailors and marines presenting to the ship's physical therapist during recent, respective deployments of two U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. MATERIALS AND METHODS/METHODS:The case definition for this study was cases of work-limiting medical complaints involving the musculoskeletal system presenting, or referred, to the ship's physical therapy services for evaluation and treatment. The population for this study was drawn from ship's company from two Nimitz class carriers on their respective deployments. Potential subjects were recruited at their index visit for their complaint. Participants completed a survey of their symptoms while at the ship's medical department. Data for analysis consist of counts of cases, body part affected, self-reported mechanism of injury, age, and gender of the subject. Data were analyzed by generating descriptive tables. RESULTS:One hundred ninety-seven cases were captured across the two carriers. Injury to the low back was the most frequent (34%), followed by shoulder (25%) and knee (15%). Twenty one cases (11%) were reported to be exacerbation of previous injuries and the rest new injuries. Of the 176 new injury cases, 93 (53%) were of an insidious onset and the remainder had a specific, identifiable onset. Of the 82 cases with a specific identifiable onset, 38 cases (46%) occurred during participation in sport and exercise activity on board ship, and the remainder of the cases occurred during the performance of duty-related work. None of the cases required evacuation off of the ship. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Care should be used interpreting the results since participants were volunteers and a small proportion of eligible subjects chose not to participate in the study. Nevertheless, our data are generally consistent with other studies of musculoskeletal injury on board U.S. Navy ships and are useful for health care planning purposes and for planning for future studies that may take place on board U.S. Navy vessels. The novel and important finding of this study suggests that sports and exercise activity on board ship may warrant a new area of attention for safety.

Reports an error in "Feasibility of training physical therapists to implement a psychologically informed physical therapy program for deployed U.S. sailors and marines with musculoskeletal injuries " by Sherri Weiser, Angela Lis, Gregg Ziemke, Rudi Hiebert, Danielle Faulkner, Tara Brennan, Brian Iveson and Marco Campello (Military Medicine, 2018[Mar-Apr], Vol 183[3-4, Suppl], 503-509). In the original article, on page 503, the author list includes "Gregg Ziemke, MSC, USN, (Ret.)" and "Brian Iveson, MSC, USN." These authors should instead be listed as Gregg Ziemke PT, MS, OCS and Brian Iveson PT, DsC, FAAOMPT. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2019-60047-071). This study assesses the feasibility of training U.S. Navy Physical Therapy staff members (PT staff) aboard a U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier in psychologically informed physical therapy (PiPT). Training was conducted prior to deployment over 3 d and included background information, skills development, and application in the form of role playing and case studies. During deployment, nine phone conferences were conducted to reinforce training, assess skills, and discuss implementation. PiPT knowledge was assessed by a written test and role-playing skills. The adoption of the training was determined by analysis of clinical notes and verbal responses of the PT staff during phone conferences. There were two PT staff members on the carrier. Both received passing knowledge test scores and demonstrated role-playing proficiency. Clinical note assessment and discussions during conference calls also indicated successful implementation. The feasibility of training Navy PT staff to implement PiPT was demonstrated. PT staff successfully translated training into practice. This is significant, since PiPT has the potential to limit attrition due to musculoskeletal injuries in Navy personnel. Factors believed to be associated with the success of the training include adoption of the PiPT model by PT staff and reinforcement of changes in clinical practice during deployment.