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Objective The primary aim of this investigation is to assess the effectiveness of implementing an innovative immobilization approach, spec ically the utilization of personalized open-face masks in combination with styrofoam fixation, for head and neck cancers receiving radiotherapy. The study seeks to evaluate the influence of this method on improving patients’ precision in positioning and their overall comfort during the treatment process, in addition to exploring its potential capacity to mitigate the occurrence of anxiety and depression in this patient population. Methods A prospective, randomized controlled trial was undertaken to investigate the comparative efficacy of two immobilization approaches for the radiotherapy treatment of head and neck cancers. The experimental group was randomly assigned to receive fixation using personalized open-face masks with nose and mouth apertures, while the control group was immobilized using closed-face masks. Weekly cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were conducted pre-treatment to assess and record setup errors along three axes. Comparative analysis of setup errors and the planning target volume (PTV) margin between the two groups was performed. Furthermore, the patients’ comfort levels and anxiety and depression status were evaluated using the modified Likert questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results A total of 106 patients were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to either the experimental group ( n  = 53) or the control group ( n  = 53). There were no statistically significant differences observed between the two groups in terms of age, sex, and disease type indicating comparability. Analysis of the setup errors along different directions showed no significant differences between the experimental and control groups in the X direction (0.90 ± 0.84 mm vs. 0.92 ± 0.85 mm, p  = 0.825), Y direction (1.26 ± 0.98 mm vs. 1.37 ± 1.09 mm, p  = 0.172), Z direction (1.18 ± 0.84 mm vs. 1.15 ± 0.98 mm, p  = 0.651), and Rtn direction (0.65 ± 0.57 vs. 0.62 ± 0.55, p  = 0.489). Evaluating the local setup errors in the experimental and control groups, there were no significant differences observed in the X direction (1.13 ± 1.15 mm vs. 1.01 ± 0.89 mm, p  = 0.152) and Z direction (1.31 ± 0.88 mm vs. 1.26 ± 1.17 mm, p  = 0.549). However, a significant difference was found in the Y direction (1.49 ± 1.19 mm vs. 1.80 ± 1.45 mm, p  = 0.003). The Rtn direction also did not show a significant difference (0.90 ± 0.81 vs. 0.84 ± 0.73, p  = 0.328). The PTV margin in the X, Y, and Z directions were determined as 2.20 mm, 3.12 mm, and 2.57 mm in the experimental group and 2.35 mm, 3.58 mm, and 2.86 mm in the control group, respectively. The personalized open-face mask patients reported higher levels of comfort compared to the perforated head, neck, and shoulder thermoplastic mask (31.32 ± 1.16 vs. 30.00 ± 1.49, p  < 0.001). The prevalence rates of anxiety in the experimental and control groups were as follows: (18.8% vs. 12.5%, p  = 0.399), (18.8% vs. 14.6%, p  = 0.584), (23.4% vs. 25%, p  = 0.856), and (23.4% vs. 33.3%, p  = 0.283). Conclusions In head and neck cancer radiotherapy, we propose the idea of personalized open-face mask combined with styrofoam for the first time, which can improve patient comfort without sacrificing positioning accuracy, and has a tendency to relieve patients’ tension and anxiety. It is worth promoting and using in clinical positioning.

Muscle mass and function are perturbed by immobilization and remobilization. When muscle mass changes, the quality and quantity of the extracellular matrix protein, particularly the collagens, change with it. In this study, we investigated the temporal profile of three peptide biomarkers derived from turnover of collagen type III and type VI in a long-term immobilization and remobilization study. We also compared individual biomarker levels with Lean body Mass (LBM) and changes therein, hypothesizing that these biomarkers would be biomarkers of the remodeling processes associated with immobilization and/or remobilization. In the Berlin bed rest study, 20 young men were recruited and randomly assigned to 8-week's strict bed rest with or without resistive vibration exercise countermeasure. We measured three neo-epitope ELISA kits in the serum samples of this study: Pro-C3, measured the synthesis of collagen type III; Pro-C6, measured the synthesis of collagen type VI; and C6M measured the degradation of collagen type VI induced by MMP-2 and MMP-9 cleavage. Pro-C3 and Pro-C6 biomarkers are up-regulated with both immobilization and remobilization, whereas C6M is hardly affected at all. We found that Pro-C3 and C6M levels are related to LBM at baseline and that high levels of Pro-C6 are associated with smaller changes in muscle mass during both immobilization and remobilization. The Pro-C3 and-C6 biomarkers change likely reflect remodeling changes in response to unloading or reloading, whereas C6M does not appear to respond to unloading. Pro-C3 and C6M levels correlate with LBM at baseline, while Pro-C6 is related to the anabolic and catabolic responses to unloading and reloading.

Limb immobilization causes rapid declines in muscle strength and mass. Given the role of the nervous system in immobilization‐induced weakness, targeted interventions may be able to preserve muscle strength, but not mass, and vice versa. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of two distinct interventions during 1 week of knee joint immobilization on muscle strength (isometric and concentric isokinetic peak torque), mass (bioimpedance spectroscopy and ultrasonography), and neuromuscular function (transcranial magnetic stimulation and interpolated twitch technique). Thirty‐nine healthy, college‐aged adults (21 males, 18 females) were randomized into one of four groups: immobilization only (n = 9), immobilization + action observation/mental imagery (AOMI) (n = 10), immobilization + neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) (n = 12), or control group (n = 8). The AOMI group performed daily video observation and mental imagery of knee extensions. The NMES group performed twice daily stimulation of the quadriceps femoris. Based on observed effect sizes, it appears that AOMI shows promise as a means of preserving voluntary strength, which may be modulated by neural adaptations. Strength increased from PRE to POST in the AOMI group, with +7.2% (Cohen's d = 1.018) increase in concentric isokinetic peak torque at 30°/s. However, NMES did not preserve muscle mass. Though preliminary, our findings highlight the specific nature of clinical interventions and suggest that muscle strength can be independently targeted during rehabilitation. This study was prospectively registered: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05072652. What is the central question of this study? Action observation and mental imagery (AOMI) may be a possible and potentially promising rehabilitation strategy via facilitation of neural adaptations, whereas neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) may augment muscle strength and mass via peripheral mechanisms. We compared the ability of these interventions to distinctly preserve strength versus mass during one week of knee joint immobilization. What is the main finding and its importance? Effect sizes suggested that AOMI preserved voluntary strength, and may be used therapeutically to target neural adaptations during immobilization.

Background A short period of leg immobilization leads to rapid loss of muscle mass and strength. Creatine supplementation has been shown to increase lean body mass in active individuals and can be used to augment gains in muscle mass and strength during prolonged resistance-type exercise training. Objective Our objective was to investigate whether creatine loading can attenuate the loss of muscle mass and strength during short-term leg immobilization. Methods Healthy young men ( n  = 30; aged 23 ± 1 years; body mass index [BMI] 23.3 ± 0.5 kg/m −2 ) were randomly assigned to either a creatine or a placebo group. Subjects received placebo or creatine supplements (20 g/d) for 5 days before one leg was immobilized by means of a full-leg cast for 7 days. Muscle biopsies were taken before creatine loading, prior to and immediately after leg immobilization, and after 7 days of subsequent recovery. Quadriceps cross-sectional area (CSA) (computed tomography [CT] scan) and leg muscle strength (one-repetition maximum [1-RM] knee extension) were assessed before and immediately after immobilization and after 1 week of recovery. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Data are presented consistently as mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM). Results There was a significant overall increase in muscle total creatine content following the 5-day loading phase ( p  = 0.049), which appeared driven by an increase in the creatine group (from 90 ± 9 to 107 ± 4 mmol/kg −1 dry muscle) with no apparent change in the placebo group (from 88 ± 4 to 90 ± 3 mmol/kg −1 ; p  = 0.066 for time × treatment interaction). Quadriceps muscle CSA had declined by 465 ± 59 and 425 ± 69 mm 2 ( p  < 0.01) in the creatine and placebo group, respectively, with no differences between groups ( p  = 0.76). Leg muscle strength decreased from 56 ± 4 to 53 ± 4 kg in the creatine and from 59 ± 3 to 53 ± 3 kg in the placebo group, with no differences between groups ( p  = 0.20). Muscle fiber size did not change significantly over time in either group ( p  > 0.05). When non-responders to creatine loading were excluded ( n  = 6), responders ( n  = 8; total creatine content increasing from 70 to 106 mmol/kg −1 ) showed similar findings, with no signs of preservation of muscle mass or strength during immobilization. During the subsequent recovery phase, no differences in muscle mass or strength were found between the two groups ( p  > 0.05). Conclusion Creatine supplementation prior to and during leg immobilization does not prevent or attenuate the loss of muscle mass or strength during short-term muscle disuse. NIH Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT01894737 ( http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ ).

Background Skeletally immature osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) have a significant impact on the health status and quality of life of pediatric patients and the involved family. the current literature showed success in 4 out of 10 patients but it is currently unknown which type of non-operative management showed better clinical- and radiological outcomes. The aim of this study is to compare immobilization and supervised rehabilitation with a ‘skillful’’ neglect in the treatment for skeletally immature patients with an OLT. The hypothesis is that a period of immobilization and supervised rehabilitation will lead to better clinical and radiological outcomes compared to ‘’skillful’’ neglect. Methods Multicenter, prospective, comparative study. Skeletally immature children with an OLT will be assigned to the intervention or control group after a shared decision-making process. Patients in the intervention group will undergo a 4-week period of immobilization with normal casting and non-weightbearing, which is followed by 4 weeks of immobilization with a removable cast and weight bearing boot. Afterwards, they will receive a protocolled period of rehabilitation under supervision of a physical therapist. The control group will have a ‘skillful’’ neglect treatment. The main study outcome is the difference between the two groups on the Oxford Ankle and Foot Questionnaire for Children (OxAFQ-C). Secondary study outcomes are radiologic changes in terms of morphology and lesion size. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) during weight bearing and quality of life measured with a Pediatrics Quality of Life (Peds-QL) and EuroQol-5 Dimension youth (EQ-5D-y). Discussion This protocol reports on the study design of the CARE Study and it aims to setup a study for evaluating different types of non-operative management in pediatric patients suffering an OLT. This study will compare clinical and radiological outcomes between two different non-operative strategies for treating OLTs in the skeletally immature population. Based on the results of this study, an evidence-based treatment protocol for non-operative management for pediatric OLTs can be provided. Trial registration This study is registered in the International Clinical Trial Registry Platform (ICTRP) with trial number NLOMON54282, date of registration 05192023.

Background The traditional treatment for primary anterior shoulder dislocations has been immobilization in a sling with the arm in a position of adduction and internal rotation. However, recent basic science and clinical data have suggested recurrent instability may be reduced with immobilization in external rotation after primary shoulder dislocation. Questions/purposes We performed a randomized controlled trial to compare the (1) frequency of recurrent instability and (2) disease-specific quality-of-life scores after treatment of first-time shoulder dislocation using either immobilization in external rotation or immobilization in internal rotation in a group of young patients. Methods Sixty patients younger than 35 years of age with primary, traumatic, anterior shoulder dislocations were randomized (concealed, computer-generated) to immobilization with either an internal rotation sling (n = 29) or an external rotation brace (n = 31) at a mean of 4 days after closed reduction (range, 1–7 days). Patients with large bony lesions or polytrauma were excluded. The two groups were similar at baseline. Both groups were immobilized for 4 weeks with identical therapy protocols thereafter. Blinded assessments were completed by independent observers for a minimum of 12 months (mean, 25 months; range, 12–43 months). Recurrent instability was defined as a second documented anterior dislocation or multiple episodes of shoulder subluxation severe enough for the patient to request surgical stabilization. Validated disease-specific quality-of-life data (Western Ontario Shoulder Instability index [WOSI], American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons evaluation [ASES]) were also collected. Ten patients (17%, five from each group) were lost to followup. Reported compliance with immobilization in both groups was excellent (80%). Results With the numbers available, there was no difference in the rate of recurrent instability between groups: 10 of 27 patients (37%) with the external rotation brace versus 10 of 25 patients (40%) with the sling redislocated or developed symptomatic recurrent instability (p = 0.41). WOSI scores were not different between groups (p = 0.74) and, although the difference in ASES scores approached statistical significance (p = 0.05), the magnitude of this difference was small and of uncertain clinical importance. Conclusions Despite previous published findings, our results show immobilization in external rotation did not confer a significant benefit versus sling immobilization in the prevention of recurrent instability after primary anterior shoulder dislocation. Further studies with larger numbers may elucidate whether functional outcomes, compliance, or comfort with immobilization can be improved with this device. Level of Evidence Level I, therapeutic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Background Acute Achilles tendon rupture (AATR) surgical repair debates center on the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) versus open surgery (OS), with immobilization duration poorly stratified. This prospective cohort study aimed to compare clinical outcomes of OS and MIS for AATR repair and evaluate the impact of immobilization duration (0, 2, or 4 weeks) on postoperative rehabilitation. Methods A total of 474 patients undergoing surgical repair for acute AATR were stratified into six groups based on surgical approach (OS: 265 cases; MIS: 209 cases) and immobilization duration (0, 2, or 4 weeks). The primary outcomes were postoperative complications, while secondary outcomes included recovery times for Achilles tendon function. Data regarding the operative times, incision lengths, the visual analog scale (VAS) score, the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale score, and the relative Achilles tendon resting angle (ATRA) were also collected. Results MIS groups demonstrated significantly shorter operative times (34.1–34.4 vs. 45.1–46.1 min, P  < 0.001) and reduced incision lengths (2.2–2.4 vs. 4.5–4.7 cm, P  < 0.001) compared to OS. Postoperative VAS scores were markedly lower in MIS cohorts during the first 2 weeks ( P  < 0.001), with pain resolution comparable across all groups by 8 weeks. Despite the superior early functional recovery in PF (9.1–33.4 vs. 14.6–38.9 days, P  < 0.001), Group D and E exhibited higher re-injury rates compared to OS ( P  < 0.05), in which Group D also demonstrated higher re-operation rates (5.6% vs. 0, P  = 0.038). Prolonged immobilization (4 weeks) delayed functional recovery in both cohorts ( P  < 0.001). While transient differences in AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale and ATRS scores were observed at intermediate time points, all groups achieved near-maximal functional scores by 48 weeks, with no significant between-group differences ( P  > 0.05). Relative ATRA exhibited no significant intergroup differences at 48 weeks postoperatively ( P  > 0.05). Conclusion MIS for acute Achilles tendon rupture achieves faster early recovery but carries higher re-injury risks, mitigated by 4-week immobilization. OS benefits from shorter (2-week) immobilization. Both approaches yield equivalent long-term functions, emphasizing the need for tailored protocols and refined MIS techniques to optimize outcomes. Trial registration NCT04663542.

The aim of this study was to compare C-MAC videolaryngoscopy with direct laryngoscopy for intubation in simulated cervical spine immobilization conditions. The study was designed as a prospective randomized crossover manikin trial. 70 paramedics with <5years of medical experience participated in the study. The paramedics attempted to intubate manikins in 3 airway scenarios: normal airway without cervical immobilization (Scenario A); manual inline cervical immobilization (Scenario B); cervical immobilization using cervical extraction collar (Scenario C). Scenario A: Nearly all participants performed successful intubations with both MAC and C-MAC on the first attempt (95.7% MAC vs. 100% C-MAC), with similar intubation times (16.5s MAC vs. 18s C-MAC). Scenario B: The results with C-MAC were significantly better than those with MAC (p<0.05) for the time of intubation (23 s MAC vs. 19 s C-MAC), success of the first intubation attempt (88.6% MAC vs. 100% C-MAC), Cormack-Lehane grade, POGO score, severity of dental compression, device difficulty score, and preferred airway device. Scenario C: The results with C-MAC were significantly better than those with MAC (p<0.05) for all the analysed variables: success of the first attempt (51.4% MAC vs. 100% C-MAC), overall success rate, intubation time (27 s MAC vs. 20.5 s C-MAC), Cormack-Lehane grade, POGO score, dental compression, device difficulty score and the preferred airway device. The C-MAC videolaryngoscope is an excellent alternative to the MAC laryngoscope for intubating manikins with cervical spine immobilization.

Background In recent decades, early rehabilitation after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) repair has been proposed. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to compare different immobilisation durations in order to determine the optimal duration after open surgery for ATR repair. Methods This study included 1088 patients (mean age, 34.9 ± 5.9 years) who underwent open surgery for acute ATR repair. The patients were categorised into four groups (A, B, C, and D) according to postoperative immobilisation durations of 0, 2, 4, and 6 weeks, respectively. All patients received the same suture technique and a similar rehabilitation protocol after brace removal,; they were clinically examined at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 weeks postoperatively, with a final follow-up at a mean of 19.0 months. The primary outcome was the recovery time for the one-leg heel-rise height (OHRH). Secondary outcomes included the time required to return to light exercise (LE) and the recovery times for the range of motion (ROM). Data regarding the surgical duration, complications, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain, the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale score were also collected. Results The recovery times for OHRH, LE, and ROM were significantly shorter in groups A and B than in groups C and D ( P  < 0.001). The VAS scores decreased over time, reaching 0 in all groups by 10 weeks. The mean scores in groups A and B were higher than those in the other groups at 2 and 4 weeks ( P  < 0.001), whereas the opposite was true at 8 weeks ( P  < 0.001). ATRS and the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot scale score increased across all groups over time, showing significant between-group differences from weeks 6 to 16 ( P  < 0.001) and weeks 6 to 12 ( P  < 0.001). The mean scores were better in groups A and B than in groups C and D. Thirty-eight complications (3.5%) were observed, including 20 re-ruptures and 18 superficial infections. All complications were resolved at the last follow-up, with no significant between-group differences. Conclusions Immobilisation for 2 weeks after open surgery for ATR repair may be the optimal strategy for early rehabilitation with relatively minimal pain and other complications. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04663542).

IntroductionInjury to triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a common cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain, of which peripheral TFCC tears are amenable to repair. The surgical approaches to treat TFCC tears are well-established, with arthroscopic or arthroscopic-assisted repair as the preferred method. However, the postoperative rehabilitation protocols significantly vary across different studies, ranging from 2 to 9 weeks, often without sufficient justification.Methods and analysisThis research is designed to conduct a randomised controlled trial at a single centre with double-blinding to compare the clinical and functional results of two immobilisation protocols of 3 weeks and 6 weeks, following arthroscopic repair of peripheral TFCC tears (ie, Palmar 1B, 1C and 1D) in adults, considering the phase of ligament healing. The hypothesis that there will be no significant difference in outcomes between the two groups is considered. Adults aged 18–60 years of both genders who present with ulnar-sided wrist pain and satisfy the inclusion criteria are included in the study. Following the arthroscopic TFCC repair using the Polydioxanone Suture (PDS) inside-out suture technique, the patients will be immobilised in an above-elbow cast according to their assigned immobilisation groups, which will be determined by a computer-generated 1:1 block randomisation. In this study, each group will have at least 16 participants. The primary outcomes will be evaluated by the weight-bearing press test and the ballottement test. Secondary outcomes, including the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, grip strength, pinch strength, foveal sign, Modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS), patient-rated wrist/hand evaluation (PRWHE) score and the range of movements in the wrist and forearm, will be assessed and compared across the groups at each point of assessment, with the results subsequently reported in a detailed manner. The study will be reported in accordance with Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines.Ethics and disseminationThe Ethics Committee of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, approved the trial (approval No. IEC1 - 386). The data from this trial will be presented at academic conferences and published in peer-reviewed international journals.Trial registration numberThis trial has been registered at the Clinical Trial Registry of India (registration number: CTRI/2023/03/050692).