The association of step count to subsequent health outcomes has yet to be established in populations with lower back and extremity musculoskeletal disease. The purpose of this paper was to synthesise data related to the associations of step count with clinically relevant patient reported and functional outcomes through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Searches of MEDLINE Complete; CINAHL (EBSCO Host); and EMBASE were undertaken from their inception to January 2023. Any study design that reported on objectively measured step count and measures of pain, quality of life, disability, or functional outcomes in low back and lower extremity persistent musculoskeletal pain populations met the eligibility criteria.

 

Meta-analyses demonstrated that greater step count was associated with improved pain, improved quality of life, improved disability, improved walking speed and stair climb speed, and increased strength.

 

These results represent the first direct demonstration that individuals with musculoskeletal disease who take a greater number of daily steps may have an improved quality of life, decreased pain, less disability and improved function. The findings support the notion that daily step count may be considered a useful marker of multiple health domains in lower back and lower extremity musculoskeletal pain populations. Further prospective studies examining clinically relevant outcomes, such as daily variations in physical activity and pain are needed.

Intersection syndrome, often confused with other forearm and wrist conditions, presents a diagnostic challenge due to overlapping symptoms. This presentation focuses on the differential diagnosis of intersection syndrome through an analysis of a specific patient case study.

Intersection syndrome is an under-recognised condition characterised by inflammation at the intersection of the wrist and thumb tendons.The syndrome is particularly relevant in sports medicine and occupational health, where repetitive strain injuries are common.

This presentation will provide an in-depth exploration of intersection syndrome, including its pathophysiology, diagnostic challenges, and effective management strategies. We will discuss the anatomical and biomechanical factors that contribute to the development of the syndrome, including the role of repetitive strain and poor ergonomics. A patient case study will highlight the differential diagnoses of intersection syndrome from other similar conditions, and include Myotherapy management strategies, ranging from conservative treatments such as rest and NSAIDs to physical therapy interventions and ergonomic adjustments. It will also review cases where more invasive treatments, including corticosteroid injections or surgical intervention, may be warranted. 

By integrating current research findings and clinical experiences, this presentation aims to enhance your understanding of intersection syndrome and provide practical insights for improving patient outcomes in both clinical and occupational settings.

Dorsal Scapular Neuropathy (DSN) is a frequently overlooked condition that can lead to chronic upper back pain, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. This presentation aims to shed light on this under-recognised neuropathy by exploring current literature and its implications for clinical practice.

We will examine the etiology of DSN and its intricate connections to other musculoskeletal conditions. By understanding these relationships, we can develop more accurate and effective assessment protocols. We will review evidence-based diagnostic techniques, emphasising their reliability and applicability in various clinical settings.

We will focus on treatment strategies for DSN for myotherapists, including well-established protocols and emerging therapeutic approaches. By evaluating their efficacy through the lens of recent research, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of current best practices. This analysis will include manual therapy techniques, exercise prescriptions, and innovative interventions that show promise in managing DSN.

This presentation is a comprehensive review of Dorsal Scapular Neuropathy, offering clinicians practical knowledge to improve their assessment and treatment of this often misdiagnosed condition.