Abstract Background Kidney function is associated with kidney volume. This study aims to explore automated segmentation for measuring total kidney volume (TKV) and to analyse the association between (changes in) TKV and acute kidney injury (AKI) incidence and/or severity in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients. Methods Patients were included in this retrospective pilot cohort study when at least two abdominal Computed Tomography (CT) scans were performed during ICU admission. If available, CT scans made before the ICU admission were included as a baseline scan. TKV was measured by automated segmentation of both kidneys using Data Analysis Facilitation Suite (DAFS, Voronoi Analytics Incorporated). All segmentations were visually checked and manually adjusted when necessary. ΔTKV was calculated between baseline CT and CT1 (ΔTKVCT1–baseline) and CT1 and CT2 (ΔTKVCT2–CT1). Primary outcomes were differences in kidney volume before and after manual correction and AKI incidence and severity, per the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines, on the day of scanning. Results Twenty-six patients were included, of whom eighteen developed AKI during ICU admission. Analysis showed no significant differences in volumes before and after manual correction of the automated segmentations. TKV was not associated with AKI incidence or severity. Longitudinal intraindividual changes in TKV were observed. Median ΔTKVCT1–baseline was statistically significantly different for AKI versus non-AKI patients (−22 cm3 (−49–9) versus 42 cm3 (23–43), p = 0.03) and for different KDIGO stages. Conclusion This study demonstrates the possibility of measuring TKV on CT in ICU patients using automated segmentation. Longitudinal intraindividual changes in TKV were observed, however, no clear association between TKV and AKI was found. Clinical trial number Not applicable.
Kristine Godziuk, Mary Forhan, Flavio T. Vieira
et al.
ABSTRACT Background Treatments aimed at improving physical function and body composition, including reducing fat mass (FM) and increasing muscle mass, may benefit individuals with advanced knee osteoarthritis (OA) and obesity. We investigated the feasibility and efficacy of a multimodal behavioural intervention compared to usual care to enhance physical function and muscle mass in this population. Methods The POMELO (Prevention Of MusclE Loss in Osteoarthritis) study is a two‐arm pilot randomized controlled trial; NCT05026385. Participants aged 40–75 years, with a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 and knee OA were randomized 1:1 to either the intervention group (POMELO) or usual care (UC). The 3‐month POMELO intervention incorporated progressive resistance exercise (3 sessions/week), individualized nutrition counselling targeted for OA, and 12 group education sessions on nutrition and arthritis self‐management. The UC group received standard clinical care. After the 3‐month supervised intervention, both groups were followed for 6 months without support. Assessments at baseline, 3 months and 9 months (primary endpoint) included body composition (DXA, measuring FM and appendicular lean soft tissue [ALST]), physical function (chair‐sit‐to‐stands [CSTS], 6‐min walk [6MWT], maximal handgrip strength [HGS]), and health‐related quality of life (Euroqol visual analog scale [EQ‐5D VAS]). Co‐primary outcomes were feasibility (intervention completion ≥ 80% and per‐protocol adherence ≥ 60% [i.e., attendance at 12 education sessions and exercise 3 ×/week]) and acceptability (4‐item Likert‐scale satisfaction survey, and open‐ended questions). Secondary outcomes included changes in physical function and ALST. Results Fifty participants were randomized (POMELO = 25, UC = 25), with 32 completing the study (69% female, mean age 64.9 ± 1.2 years, BMI 42.1 ± 1.0 kg/m2). The POMELO intervention group had 80% completion and 74% adherence, confirming feasibility. Higher satisfaction rates were observed in POMELO compared to UC (3.5 vs. 2.2, p < 0.001) indicating greater acceptability. The POMELO group had improvements in CSTS (mean difference [MD] 3.96, ES 1.2, p < 0.001), 6MWT (MD 31.6 m, ES 0.4, p = 0.039) and EQ‐5D VAS (MD 7.9 points, ES = 0.4, p = 0.01) compared to UC. Both groups experienced FM loss, but only the UC group lost ALST and HGS. Conclusion The POMELO intervention, combining personalized nutrition, resistance exercise and self‐management support, was feasible, acceptable and showed greater efficacy than usual care to improve physical function in patients with knee OA and obesity. Our pilot study of this intervention showed potential benefits on body composition and quality of life without focusing on weight reduction. A larger study is needed to confirm these results, as this approach may offer advantages over usual care, potentially leading to better mobility and health outcomes.
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system, Human anatomy
Jiunn-Jye Sheu, Jui-Ning Yeh, Pei-Hsun Sung
et al.
This study tested the hypothesis that ITRI Biofilm prevents adhesion of the chest cavity. Combined extracorporeal shock wave (ECSW) + bone marrow-derived autologous endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) therapy was superior to monotherapy for improving heart function (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]) in minipigs with ischemic cardiomyopathy (IC) induced by an ameroid constrictor applied to the mid-left anterior descending artery. The minipigs ( n = 30) were equally designed into group 1 (sham-operated control), group 2 (IC), group 3 (IC + EPCs/by directly implanted into the left ventricular [LV] myocardium; 3 [+]/3[–] ITRI Biofilm), group 4 (IC + ECSW; 3 [+]/[3] – ITRI Biofilm), and group 5 (IC + EPCs–ECSW; 3 [+]/[3] – ITRI Biofilm). EPC/ECSW therapy was administered by day 90, and the animals were euthanized, followed by heart harvesting by day 180. In vitro studies demonstrated that cell viability/angiogenesis/cell migratory abilities/mitochondrial concentrations were upregulated in EPCs treated with ECSW compared with those in EPCs only (all P s < 0.001). The LVEF was highest in group 1/lowest in group 2/significantly higher in group 5 than in groups 3/4 (all P s < 0.0001) by day 180, but there was no difference in groups 3/4. The adhesion score was remarkably lower in patients who received ITRI Biofilm treatment than in those who did not (all P s <0.01). The protein expressions of oxidative stress (NOX-1/NOX-2/oxidized protein)/apoptotic (mitochondrial-Bax/caspase3/PARP)/fibrotic (TGF-β/Smad3)/DNA/mitochondria-damaged (γ-H2AX/cytosolic-cytochrome-C/p-DRP1), and heart failure/pressure-overload (BNP [brain natriuretic peptide]/β-MHC [beta myosin heavy chain]) biomarkers displayed a contradictory manner of LVEF among the groups (all P s < 0.0001). The protein expression of endothelial biomarkers (CD31/vWF)/small-vessel density revealed a similar LVEF within the groups (all P s < 0.0001). ITRI Biofilm treatment prevented chest cavity adhesion and was superior in restoring IC-related LV dysfunction when combined with EPC/ECSW therapy compared with EPC/ECSW therapy alone.
Abstract Objectives Surrogate decision-making by family caregivers for patients with severe brain injury is influenced by the availability and understanding of relevant information and expectations for future rehabilitation. We aimed to compare the consistency of family caregivers’ perceptions with clinical diagnoses and to inform their expectation of prognosis in the future. Methods The Coma Recovery Scale-Revised was used to assess the diagnosis of inpatients with severe brain injury between February 2019 and February 2020. A main family caregiver was included per patient. The family caregiver’s perception of the patient’s consciousness and expectations of future recovery were collected through questionnaires and compared consistently with the clinical diagnosis. Results The final sample included 101 main family caregivers of patients (57 UWS, unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, 37 MCS, minimally conscious state, 7 EMCS, emergence from MCS) with severe brain injury. Only 57 family caregivers correctly assessed the level of consciousness as indicated by the CRS-R, showing weak consistency (Kappa = 0.217, P = 0.002). Family caregivers’ demographic characteristics and CRS-R diagnosis influenced the consistency between perception and clinical diagnosis. Family caregivers who provided hands-on care to patients showed higher levels of consistent perception (AOR = 12.24, 95% CI = 2.06-73.00, P = 0.006). Compared to UWS, the family caregivers of MCS patients were more likely to have a correct perception (OR = 7.68, 95% CI = 1.34–44.06). Family caregivers had positive expectations for patients’ recovery in terms of both communication and returning to normal life. Conclusion Nearly half of family caregivers have inadequate understanding of their relative’s level of consciousness, and most of them report overly optimistic expectations that do not align with clinical diagnosis. Providing more medical information to family caregivers to support their surrogate decision-making process is essential.
ABSTRACT Background Women with newly diagnosed hormone receptor‐positive breast cancer are offered adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET). Despite the survival benefits of the therapy, a significant proportion of breast cancer patients do not adhere to the anti‐hormonal medication. Aims The purpose of this study was to analyse demographic, social, psychological and treatment‐related factors influencing whether women diagnosed with early‐stage breast cancer were adherent to offered therapy. Materials and Methods This was a long‐term retrospective, medical record study, supplemented with a questionnaire, including 81 women. Data from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register were used to examine adherence. The women were followed for 5 years of offered AET. Results Out of 81 women, 67 (83%) were adherent (hade taken out 80% or more of the recommended dose), 10 (12%) were Partially Adherent and 4 (5%) never accepted AET. At baseline, the Never‐Adherent group members were younger, more often considered themselves healthy and seemed much more satisfied with their lives. Baseline factors that positively affected adherence were satisfaction with the vocational situation (p = 0.023) and satisfaction with family life (p = 0.040). Cumulative musculoskeletal side effects were more frequently reported among women in the Adherent group than Partially Adherent women, after both 12 and 60 months (p = 0.018 and p = 0.011, respectively). There was also a significant difference in reported cumulative psychological side effects (p = 0.049) in disfavour of the Adherent group. Moreover, according to the questionnaire where the women retrospectively were asked which side effects, they experienced during the treatment period; sexual desire was significantly lower in the Adherent group (p = 0.0402) than in the Partially Adherent group. Conclusion It is important to consider a woman's life situation, to support those who otherwise would not be able to complete AET and to help all women relieve side effects during AET. It should be investigated why some women did not start the recommended therapy.
Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens
Armin D. Tavakkoli, BA, Megan A. Clark, BE, Alireza Kheirollah, PhD
et al.
Purpose: Ultra High Dose-Rate (UHDR) radiation has been reported to spare normal tissue, compared with Conventional Dose-Rate (CDR) radiation. However, important work remains to be done to improve the reproducibility of the FLASH effect. A better understanding of the biologic factors that modulate the FLASH effect may shed light on the mechanism of FLASH sparing. Here, we evaluated whether sex and/or the use of 100% oxygen as a carrier gas during irradiation contribute to the variability of the FLASH effect. Methods and Materials: C57BL/6 mice (24 male, 24 female) were anesthetized using isoflurane mixed with either room air or 100% oxygen. Subsequently, the mice received 27 Gy of either 9 MeV electron UHDR or CDR to a 1.6 cm2 diameter area of the right leg skin using the Mobetron linear accelerator. The primary postradiation endpoint was time to full thickness skin ulceration. In a separate cohort of mice (4 male, 4 female), skin oxygenation was measured using PdG4 Oxyphor under identical anesthesia conditions. Results: Neither supplemental oxygen nor sex affected time to ulceration in CDR irradiated mice. In the UHDR group, skin damage occured earlier in male and female mice that received 100% oxygen compared room air and female mice ulcerated sooner than male mice. However, there was no significant difference in time to ulceration between male and female UHDR mice that received room air. Oxygen measurements showed that tissue oxygenation was significantly higher when using 100% oxygen as the anesthesia carrier gas than when using room air, and female mice showed higher levels of tissue oxygenation than male mice under 100% oxygen. Conclusions: The skin FLASH sparing effect is significantly reduced when using oxygen during anesthesia rather than room air. FLASH sparing was also reduced in female mice compared to male mice. Both tissue oxygenation and sex are likely sources of variability in UHDR studies. These results suggest an oxygen-based mechanism for FLASH, as well as a key role for sex in the FLASH skin sparing effect.
Medical physics. Medical radiology. Nuclear medicine, Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens
Abstract Background Psychiatry faces a challenge due to the lack of objective biomarkers, as current assessments are based on subjective evaluations. Automated speech analysis shows promise in detecting symptom severity in depressed patients. This project aimed to identify discriminating speech features between patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy controls (HCs) by examining associations with symptom severity measures. Methods Forty-four MDD patients from the Psychiatry Department, University Hospital Aachen, Germany and fifty-two HCs were recruited. Participants described positive and negative life events, which were recorded for analysis. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression gauged depression severity. Transcribed audio recordings underwent feature extraction, including acoustics, speech rate, and content. Machine learning models including speech features and neuropsychological assessments, were used to differentiate between the MDD patients and HCs. Results Acoustic variables such as pitch and loudness differed significantly between the MDD patients and HCs (effect sizes 𝜼2 between 0.183 and 0.3, p < 0.001). Furthermore, variables pertaining to temporality, lexical richness, and speech sentiment displayed moderate to high effect sizes (𝜼2 between 0.062 and 0.143, p < 0.02). A support vector machine (SVM) model based on 10 acoustic features showed a high performance (AUC = 0.93) in differentiating between HCs and patients with MDD, comparable to an SVM based on the BDI-II (AUC = 0.99, p = 0.01). Conclusions This study identified robust speech features associated with MDD. A machine learning model based on speech features yielded similar results to an established pen-and-paper depression assessment. In the future, these findings may shape voice-based biomarkers, enhancing clinical diagnosis and MDD monitoring.
Nathália Leal Dominguez, Thaís Amaral Ferreira Baracho, Bruna de Abreu Toscano Souza
et al.
Objetivo: Avaliar a relação do risco de síndrome de realimentação com desfechos clínicos (tempo de internação e óbito) em pacientes admitidos nos prontos socorros de dois hospitais públicos do Distrito Federal (DF). Método: Trata-se de um estudo com caráter longitudinal, prospectivo, observacional e analítico, o qual foi realizado em dois hospitais públicos do DF no período de agosto de 2018 a agosto de 2019. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 478 pacientes admitidos nos prontos-socorros dos dois hospitais. Observou-se que 45,60% da amostra apresentou risco nutricional e 32,22% algum grau de desnutrição. A frequência do risco para síndrome de realimentação foi de 23,65%. Os pacientes que apresentaram risco para síndrome de realimentação apresentaram 83% mais risco de permanecerem internados por mais de 7 dias e 58% mais risco de óbito em relação aos pacientes que não apresentaram risco para SR. Conclusão: Pacientes que apresentam risco para síndrome de realimentação permaneceram mais tempo internados e possuem mais risco de irem a óbito.
Nutritional diseases. Deficiency diseases, Nutrition. Foods and food supply
Laia Cuesta-Casanovas, Jennifer Delgado-Martínez, Josep M. Cornet-Masana
et al.
Abstract Background Development of precision medicine requires the identification of easily detectable and druggable biomarkers. Despite recent targeted drug approvals, prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients needs to be greatly improved, as relapse and refractory disease are still difficult to manage. Thus, new therapeutic approaches are needed. Based on in silico-generated preliminary data and the literature, the role of the prolactin (PRL)-mediated signaling was interrogated in AML. Methods Protein expression and cell viability were determined by flow cytometry. Repopulation capacity was studied in murine xenotransplantation assays. Gene expression was measured by qPCR and luciferase-reporters. SA-β-Gal staining was used as a senescence marker. Results The prolactin receptor (PRLR) was upregulated in AML cells, as compared to their healthy counterpart. The genetic and molecular inhibition of this receptor reduced the colony-forming potential. Disruption of the PRLR signaling, either using a mutant PRL or a dominant-negative isoform of PRLR, reduced the leukemia burden in vivo, in xenotransplantation assays. The expression levels of PRLR directly correlated with resistance to cytarabine. Indeed, acquired cytarabine resistance was accompanied with the induction of PRLR surface expression. The signaling associated to PRLR in AML was mainly mediated by Stat5, in contrast to the residual function of Stat3. In concordance, Stat5 mRNA was significantly overexpressed at mRNA levels in relapse AML samples. A senescence-like phenotype, measured by SA-β-gal staining, was induced upon enforced expression of PRLR in AML cells, partially dependent on ATR. Similar to the previously described chemoresistance-induced senescence in AML, no cell cycle arrest was observed. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of PRLR in AML was genetically validated. Conclusions These results support the role of PRLR as a therapeutic target for AML and the further development of drug discovery programs searching for specific PRLR inhibitors.
Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens, Cytology
Annie Cristhine Moraes Sousa-Squiavinato, Renata Ivo Vasconcelos, Adriana Sartorio Gehren
et al.
Abstract Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the deadliest cancers, wherein early dissemination of tumor cells, and consequently, metastasis formation, are the main causes of mortality and poor prognosis. Cofilin-1 (CFL-1) and its modulators, LIMK1/SSH1, play key roles in mediating the invasiveness by driving actin cytoskeleton reorganization in various cancer types. However, their clinical significance and prognostic value in CRC has not been fully explored. Here, we evaluated the clinical contribution of these actin regulators according to TNM and consensus molecular subtypes (CMSs) classification. Methods CFL-1, LIMK1 and SSH1 mRNA/protein levels were assessed by real-time PCR and immunohistochemical analyses using normal adjacent and tumor tissues obtained from a clinical cohort of CRC patients. The expression levels of these proteins were associated with clinicopathological features by using the chi square test. In addition, using RNA-Seq data of CRC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we determine how these actin regulators are expressed and distributed according to TNM and CMSs classification. Based on gene expression profiling, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to evaluated overall survival. Results Bioinformatic analysis revealed that LIMK1 expression was upregulated in all tumor stages. Patients with high levels of LIMK1 demonstrated significantly lower overall survival rates and exhibited greater lymph node metastatic potential in a clinical cohort. In contrast, CFL-1 and SSH1 have expression downregulated in all tumor stages. However, immunohistochemical analyses showed that patients with high protein levels of CFL-1 and SSH1 exhibited greater lymph node metastatic potential and greater depth of local invasion. In addition, using the CMSs classification to evaluate different biological phenotypes of CRC, we observed that LIMK1 and SSH1 genes are upregulated in immune (CMS1) and mesenchymal (CMS4) subtypes. However, patients with high levels of LIMK1 also demonstrated significantly lower overall survival rates in canonical (CMS2), and metabolic (CMS3) subtypes. Conclusions We demonstrated that CFL-1 and its modulators, LIMK1/SSH1, are differentially expressed and associated with lymph node metastasis in CRC. Finally, this expression profile may be useful to predict patients with aggressive signatures, particularly, the immune and mesenchymal subtypes of CRC.
Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens, Cytology
Eva Klingberg, Maria K. Magnusson, Hans Strid
et al.
Abstract Background Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) shares many characteristics with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Intestinal microbiota most likely plays an important role in the development of IBDs and may also be involved in the pathogenesis of AS. We aimed to define and compare the fecal microbiota composition in patients with AS, ulcerative colitis (UC), and healthy controls (HC) and to determine relationships between fecal microbiota, fecal calprotectin, and disease-related variables in AS. Methods Fecal microbiota composition was assessed with GA-map™ Dysbiosis Test (Genetic Analysis, Oslo, Norway), which also reports the degree of deviation of the microbiota composition compared with a healthy control population, a Dysbiosis Index (DI) score 1–5. The AS patients were assessed with questionnaires, back mobility tests, fecal calprotectin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Results Totally, 150 patients with AS (55% men, median age 55.5 years, median BASDAI 3.2), 18 patients with UC (56% men, median age 30.5 years), and 17 HC (65% men, median age 22 years) were included. Principal component analysis showed highly separate clustering of fecal microbiota from the patients with AS, UC, and HC. Compared with HC, fecal microbiota in AS was characterized by a higher abundance of Proteobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, Bacilli, Streptococcus species, and Actinobacteria, but lower abundance of Bacteroides and Lachnospiraceae. Further, fecal microbiota composition differed between patients with normal (≤ 50 mg/kg, n = 57) and increased (≥ 200 mg/kg, n = 36) fecal calprotectin. Patients with increased fecal calprotectin had lower abundance of bacteria with anti-inflammatory properties such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Clostridium and higher abundance of the genus Streptococcus. No association was found between the fecal microbiota composition and HLAB27 status, disease activity, function, or medication. Dysbiosis (defined as DI ≥ 3) was found in 87% of AS patients. Conclusions Patients with AS have a distinct fecal microbiota signature, which is linked to fecal calprotectin levels, a marker of intestinal inflammation, but not to other clinical parameters. These findings suggest a local interplay between intestinal microbiota and gut inflammation in AS. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00858819. Registered March 9, 2009.
Emmanouil Dokianakis, Nikolaos Tsirigotakis, Vasiliki Christodoulou
et al.
Abstract Background Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are vectors of Leishmania spp., protozoan parasites responsible for a group of neglected diseases called leishmaniases. Two sand fly genera, Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia, contain species that are present in the Mediterranean islands of Crete and Cyprus where the visceral (VL), cutaneous (CL) and canine (CanLei) leishmaniases are a public health concern. The risk of transmission of different Leishmania species can be studied in an area by monitoring their vectors. Sand fly species are traditionally identified using morphological characteristics but minute differences between individuals or populations could be overlooked leading to wrong epidemiological predictions. Molecular identification of these important vectors has become, therefore, an essential tool for research tasks concerning their geographical distribution which directly relates to leishmaniasis control efforts. DNA barcoding is a widely used molecular identification method for cataloguing animal species by sequencing a fragment of the mitochondrial gene encoding cytochrome oxidase I. Results DNA barcoding was used to identify individuals of five sand fly species (Phlebotomus papatasi, P. similis, P. killicki, Sergentomyia minuta, S. dentata) circulating in the islands of Crete and Cyprus during the years 2011–2014. Phlebotomus papatasi is a known vector of zoonotic CL in the Middle East and it is found in both islands. Phlebotomus similis is the suspected vector of Leishmania tropica in Greece causing anthroponotic CL. Phlebotomus killicki was collected in Cyprus for the first time. Sergentomyia minuta, found to present intraspecific diversity, is discussed for its potential as a Leishmania vector. Molecular identification was consistent with the morphological identification. It successfully identified males and females, which is difficult when using only morphological characters. A phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the barcodes acquired, representing their genetic relationships along with other species from the area studied. All individuals identified were clustered according to their species and subgenus. Conclusions Molecular identification of sand flies via DNA barcoding can accurately identify these medically important insects assisting traditional morphological tools, thus helping to assess their implication in Leishmania transmission.
Commensal microorganisms inhabit every mucosal surface of teleost fish. At these surfaces, microorganisms directly and indirectly shape the teleost immune system. This review provides a comprehensive overview of how the microbiota and microbiota-derived products influence both the mucosal and systemic immune system of fish. The cross talk between the microbiota and the teleost immune system shifts significantly under stress or disease scenarios rendering commensals into opportunists or pathogens. Lessons learnt from germ-free fish models as well as from oral administration of live probiotics to fish highlight the vast impact that microbiota have on immune development, antibody production, mucosal homeostasis, and resistance to stress. Future studies should dissect the specific mechanisms by which different members of the fish microbiota and the metabolites they produce interact with pathogens, with other commensals, and with the teleost immune system.
<strong>زمینه </strong><strong>و </strong><strong>هدف</strong><strong>: </strong>کمردرد یکی از شایع ترین معضات بهداشتی جوامع مختلف دنیا، به ویژه در کشورهای صنعتی به شمار می رود؛ از این رو پیداکردن راهکارهایی برای پیشگیری و درمان آن، امری ضروری به حساب می آید. هدف از انجام این تحقیق، بررسی تأثیر تمرینات ثبات مرکزی بر بهبود ناتوانی و قدرت عضات ناحیه شکم و پشت در افراد مبتا به کمردرد مزمن ناشی از فتق دیسک بود. <strong>روش </strong><strong>تحقیق</strong><strong>: </strong>30 بیمار مرد و زن مبتا به کمردرد مزمن ناشی از فتق دیسک مراجعه کننده به بخش فیزیوتراپی کلینیک درمانی شهر تهران به صورت هدفمند برای شرکت در تحقیق انتخاب شدند و به صورت تصادفی به دو گروه مساوی تجربی و کنترل تقسیم گردیدند. گروه تجربی به مدت 8 هفته تمرینات ثبات مرکزی و درمان های رایج، اما گروه کنترل در مدت زمان مشابه، تنها درمان های رایج را دریافت کردند. برای ارزیابی متغیرها از پرسشنامه ناتوانی اوسوستری، آزمون پایین آوردن مستقیم پاها برای قدرت عضات شکم و دینامومتر برای قدرت عضات پشت استفاده شد. برای تجزیه و تحلیل داده ها از آزمون تحلیل کوواریانس استفاده گردید و سطح معنی داری 05/<strong>p</strong>≤0 در نظر گرفته شد. <strong>یافته </strong><strong>ها</strong><strong>: </strong>هشت هفته تمرینات ثبات مرکزی باعث کاهش معنی دار میزان ناتوانی (001/<strong>p</strong>=0)، افزایش معنی دار قدرت عضات شکم (<strong>p</strong>=0/001) و قدرت عضات پشت (001/<strong>p</strong>=0) گروه تجربی نسبت به گروه کنترل شد. <strong>نتیجه </strong><strong>گیری</strong><strong>: </strong>تجویز تمریناتثبات مرکزی با در نظر گرفتن احتیاط لازم، می تواند در بهبود ناتوانی و قدرت عضلانی افراد مبتا به کمردرد مزمن ناشی از فتق دیسک موثر باشد.