Hasil untuk "Osteopathy"

Ibrahim Npochinto Moumeni, Ibrahim Npochinto Moumeni, Ibrahim Npochinto Moumeni et al.

BackgroundChronic low back pain (CLBP) affects 14%–72% of African populations, yet evidence comparing manual therapy approaches in sub-Saharan Africa remains scarce. In rural settings characterized by limited therapeutic options, care often becomes informally centralized around practitioners with rare expertise. This pilot study compared osteopathic care and physiotherapy for CLBP in rural Cameroon, while exploring contextual mechanisms underlying healthcare-seeking behaviors, including the “unique practitioner syndrome.”MethodsThis pragmatic pilot exploratory study was conducted at Bafoussam Regional Hospital between January 2023 and December 2024, with the primary objective of generating preliminary comparative signals and informing future randomized controlled trials. Patients were allocated according to consultation day: osteopathic care (Monday/Wednesday, n = 19) and physiotherapy (Tuesday/Thursday/Friday, n = 28), reflecting real-world service organization. Primary outcomes included pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale, VAS) and functional disability (Eifel Disability Index). Secondary outcomes comprised a newly developed Therapeutic Autonomization Score and a culturally adapted Agricultural Functional Test. Quantitative outcomes were complemented by qualitative patient narratives to explore experiential and psychosocial dimensions of care.ResultsForty-seven patients completed the intervention (78.7% women; mean age 44.8 ± 12.3 years), with 95.7% reporting prior unsuccessful physiotherapy. Across the 5-week intervention period, larger magnitudes of improvement were observed in the osteopathic care pathway compared with physiotherapy for pain reduction (−47.3% vs. −32.1%; p = 0.008; Cohen's d = 0.85) and functional disability (−42.8% vs. −31.5%; p = 0.018; Cohen's d = 0.73). Higher autonomization scores were also observed in the osteopathy group (16.2 ± 2.3 vs. 13.8 ± 3.1; p = 0.005). Osteopathic care required fewer treatment sessions (9.8 ± 0.9 vs. 14.1 ± 1.2; p < 0.001), with associated reductions in direct treatment costs. Qualitative narratives highlighted distinct experiential patterns, supporting contextual mechanisms such as credential-based therapeutic authority and therapeutic scarcity dynamics.ConclusionsThis pragmatic pilot study identified preliminary between-group differences favoring the osteopathic care pathway in a highly selected population with prior treatment failure. However, non-randomized allocation, unequal treatment dose, investigator involvement in care delivery and assessment, and strong contextual influences substantially limit causal inference and generalizability. These findings should be interpreted as exploratory comparative signals rather than evidence of treatment superiority. Confirmation through rigorously designed, adequately powered randomized controlled trials with blinded assessment and extended follow-up is required. Nonetheless, the study provides valuable methodological, contextual, and conceptual insights to guide future rehabilitation research and service organization in resource-limited African settings.

Sebastián Eustaquio Martín Pérez, Isidro Miguel Martín Pérez, Ruth Molina Suárez et al.

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Bone age assessments are essential for evaluating the growth and skeletal development of children and adolescents, influenced by factors such as genetics, ethnicity, culture, and nutrition. Clinical standards for these assessments must be adapted to the specific populations under study. This study validates the use of the Tanner–Whitehouse 3 method for determining bone age in pediatric and adolescent populations in the Canary Islands. <b>Methods</b>: This cross-sectional study analyzed 214 posteroanterior radiographs of the left hand and wrist from 80 females and 134 males, aged between 5 and 18 years. The radiographs were independently evaluated by three raters: a Radiologist Specialist (Rater 1), a General Practitioner (Rater 2), and a Medical Student (Rater 3). Intra- and inter-rater reliability were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Accuracy was evaluated by comparing estimated bone age with chronological age, stratified by sex and developmental stage. <b>Results</b>: Strong intra-rater reliability was observed across all raters. Raters 1 and 2 demonstrated excellent consistency (ICCs: 0.990–0.996), while Rater 3 exhibited slightly lower yet robust reliability (ICCs: 0.921–0.976). Inter-rater agreement was high between Raters 1 and 2 but decreased with Rater 3, reflecting the influence of experience (ICCs: 0.812–0.912). Bone age was underestimated in preschool children (mean difference: 3.712 mos.; 95% CI: 1.290–6.130; <i>p</i> = 0.199) and school-age males (mean difference: 3.978 mos.; 95% CI: −12.550 to 4.590; <i>p</i> = 0.926), with minimal discrepancies in females. In teenagers, the Tanner–Whitehouse 3 method slightly overestimated bone age (mean difference: −0.360 mos.; 95% CI: −0.770 to −0.954; <i>p</i> = 0.299). <b>Conclusions</b>: In conclusion, the Tanner–Whitehouse 3 method demonstrates overall precision and reliability but requires caution, as it underestimates bone age in preschool children and school-age males, while slightly overestimating it in adolescents.

T. G. Makichyan, E. V. Gusakova, Z. S. Khabadze et al.

INTRODUCTION. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) plays a crucial role in mastication, speech, and maintaining overall postural balance. Dysfunction in TMJ biomechanics can lead to local pain, functional limitations, and postural disturbances. Despite advances in digital technologies and the integration of osteopathy into dental practice, there remains a lack of accessible and validated tools for dynamic TMJ monitoring.AIM. To develop and validate a method for quantitative assessment of mandibular biomechanics using craniometric measurements and digital technologies.MATERIALS AND METHODS. Ninety patients aged 19 to 61 years with TMJ dysfunction and extra-occlusal disorders were enrolled. Participants were divided into a main group, which received both dental and osteopathic treatment, and a control group, which received dental treatment only. Standardized digital imaging was performed pre- and post-treatment. Mandibular deviation was assessed by measuring the angle and perpendicular distance from the sagittal plane using a mobile application. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26.0, with significance set at p &lt; 0.05.RESULTS. A statistically significant reduction in mandibular deviation was observed in both groups (p &lt; 0.05), with the main group showing greater improvements. The findings support the effectiveness of combining osteopathic correction with dental therapy in restoring mandibular biomechanics.CONCLUSIONS. The proposed method provides an objective and efficient tool for assessing the outcomes of dental and osteopathic interventions in patients with TMJ dysfunction and offers potential for early detection of biomechanical impairments.

Julie Ellwood, Jerry Draper-Rodi, Dawn Carnes

Abstract Aim To investigate for congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) and positional plagiocephaly (PP) the effectiveness and safety of manual therapy, repositioning and helmet therapy (PP only) using a systematic review of systematic reviews and national guidelines. Methods We searched four major relevant databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and MANTIS for research studies published between the period 1999–2019. Inclusion criteria were systematic reviews that analysed results from multiple studies and guidelines that used evidence and expert opinion to recommend treatment and care approaches. Three reviewers independently selected articles by title, abstract and full paper review, and extracted data. Selected studies were described by two authors and assessed for quality. Where possible meta-analysed data for change in outcomes (range of movement and head shape) were extracted and qualitative conclusions were assessed. Results We found 10 systematic reviews for PP and 4 for CMT. One national guideline was found for each PP and CMT. For PP, manual therapy was found to be more effective than repositioning including tummy time (moderate to high evidence) but not better than helmet therapy (low evidence). Helmet therapy was better than usual care or repositioning (low evidence); and repositioning better than usual care (moderate to high evidence). The results for CMT showed that manual therapy in the form of practitioner-led stretching had moderate favourable evidence for increased range of movement. Advice, guidance and parental support was recommended in all the guidance to reassure parents of the favourable trajectory and nature of these conditions over time. Conclusions Distinguishing between superiority of treatments was difficult due to the lack of standardised measurement systems, the variety of outcomes and limited high quality studies. More well powered effectiveness and efficacy studies are needed. However overall, advice and guidance on repositioning (including tummy-time) and practitioner-led stretching were low risk, potentially helpful and inexpensive interventions for parents to consider. Systematic review registration number PROSPERO 2019 CRD42019139074 .

Tatiana A. Grebennikova, Diliara Sh. Umiarova, Konstantin Y. Slashchuk et al.

Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome usually caused by small-sized tumors. Tumors secrete fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), which has a phosphaturic effect. The clinical signs of TIO are non-specific, and include fatigue, bone pain and muscle weakness, which makes timely diagnosis of the disease difficult and treatment is often delayed. Well-timed diagnosis is essential and combined with complete tumor resection it leads to complete relief of symptoms and good postoperative prognosis. In cases of undetected tumors, medical treatment with phosphate supplements and active vitamin D medications is usually successful, however, treatment is associated with numerous complications and side effects can be burdensome for the patients. Due to the risk of recurrence or metastasis, patients with TIO require long-term management and follow-up. In this article, we present a clinical case of successful diagnosis and treatment of TIO in a young patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Natalia V. Toroptsova

The article presents a review of the clinical guidelines of 2017 American College of Rheumatology for prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. The guidelines i contain fracture risk gradation not only for people over 40 years , based on the measurement of bone mineral density, 10-year probability of fractures by FRAX and prior osteoporotic fractures, but also for people under 40 years. The guidelines present , recommendations for initial and follow-up treatment for prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis according the level of risk of fractures in different age groups of adults, and in children from 4 years of age, in patients with organ transplant and patients older than 30 years, receiving very high-dose of glucocorticoids . Oral bisphosphonates were recommended as first line treatment due to safety, cost, and because of lack of evidence for superior antifracture benefits from other OP medications. Oral bisohosphonates could be switched to another medication in case of intolerance. The issues of applicability of these recommendations in national clinical practice are being discussed.

F. Safadi, P. Thornton, H. Magiera et al.

Brett Vaughan, Jane Mulcahy, Amy Coffey et al.

Abstract Background Limited health literacy is known to impact on medication adherence, hospital readmission and potentially poorer health outcomes. The literature on the health literacy of those with musculoskeletal conditions suggests greater functional limitations and increased pain levels. There are a number of measures of health literacy. One that specifically relates to musculoskeletal complaints is the Literacy in Musculoskeletal Problems (LiMP) questionnaire. The LiMP contains 9 multiple choice items that cover anatomy, musculoskeletal conditions and the diagnosis of musculoskeletal complaints. The aim of the study was to evaluate the dimensionality and internal structure of the LiMP in patients attending for osteopathy care at a student-led clinic, as a potential measure of musculoskeletal health literacy. Method Three hundred and sixty-one (n = 361) new patients attending the Victoria University Osteopathy Clinic completed the LiMP and a demographic and health information questionnaire prior to their initial consultation. Mokken scale analysis, a nonparametric item response theory approach, was used to evaluate the dimensionality and structure of the LiMP in this population, to ascertain whether the questionnaire was measuring a single latent construct – musculoskeletal health literacy. McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha were calculated as the reliability estimations. The relationship between the LiMP and a single item screen of health literacy was also undertaken. Results The 9 items on the LiMP did not form a Mokken scale and the reliability estimations were below an acceptable level (alpha and omega <0.45). LiMP items 5 and 8 were more likely to be answered correctly by those with higher health literacy (p < 0.05), however the effect sizes were small (<0.20). Conclusion Calculation of a total score for the LiMP, as advocated by the original authors, is not supported based on data in the present study. Further research is required to explore the relationship of the LiMP items to demographic and clinical data, and to other broader measures of health literacy. Further research may also develop a health literacy measure that is specific to patients seeking manual therapy care for musculoskeletal complaints.

Panizo García S, Carrillo López N, Martínez Arias L et al.

Introducción: El estrés oxidativo ha sido implicado en el desarrollo y la progresión de la calcificación vascular (CV); sin embargo, aún existen interrogantes sobre esta asociación causal. Objetivo: Analizar en un modelo experimental de insuficiencia renal crónica (IRC) el efecto del estrés oxidativo sobre el desarrollo y la progresión de la CV, evaluando la implicación del microARN-377 (miR-377). Material y métodos: Se estudiaron 2 grupos de ratas Wistar con IRC. El grupo 1 recibió dieta normal en fósforo (IRC+PN). El grupo 2 recibió dieta con alto fósforo (IRC+PA). Se incluyó un grupo de ratas Sham. Trascurridas 20 semanas, las ratas fueron sacrificadas. Resultados: El fósforo y la parathormona séricos no aumentaron en el grupo IRC+PA respecto al IRC+PN, pero sí los niveles de factor de crecimiento fibrobástico 23 (FGF23). En el grupo IRC+PN aumentó tres veces el contenido aórtico de calcio respecto al grupo Sham, un aumento 17 veces superior en el grupo IRC+PA, donde la densidad mineral ósea en tibia proximal descendió significativamente. En el grupo IRC+PN la expresión del miR-377 disminuyó un 65%, sin efecto adicional de la dieta con alto contenido en fósforo. En el grupo IRC+PN aumentó 3 veces la expresión proteica de superóxido dismutasa 2 mitocondrial (SOD-2), y en el grupo IRC+PA lo hizo hasta 6 veces. Conclusiones: La IRC con o sin alto contenido en fósforo en la dieta desencadenó el descenso del miR-377. El exceso de fósforo incrementó la SOD-2 como mecanismo compensador para frenar el estrés oxidativo y el daño vascular. Controlar el contenido en fósforo en la dieta cuando la función renal se ve comprometida permitirá aminorar el daño vascular producido como consecuencia, entre otros factores, del estrés oxidativo.

I I KOChERGINA, E V DOSKINA, AS AMETOV

Цель исследования - оценить возможности комплексного подхода к лечению пациентов с остеопорозом (ОП) и сахарным диабетом (СД) Материал и методы. Проанализировано 205 историй пациентов (возраст от 56 до 70 лет (62+6)) с верифицированными диагнозами остеопороз и сахарный диабет 2 типа. Стаж СД от 5 до 25 лет (9+5), получавшие различные виды антиостеопоретической терапии и данные DEXA в динамике. Результаты. Выявлено, что менее 20% пациентов достигли целевых значений гликемии (по показателям глюкозы натощак, постпрандиально и HbA1c), на различных видах сахароснижающей терапии. Анализ терапии ОП выявил, что препараты алендроновой кислоты получают 5,1%; ибандроновой кислоты - 7,3%; золендроновой кислоты 51,2% (из них Российские джениерические препараты -76,2%); дено-сумаб - 23,9%; ранелат стронция - 9,8%; терипаратид -2,4%. При анализе историй болезней было отмечено, что Меглю-миновую соль тиоктовой кислоты - 51,2% получали 2 раза в год; 23,9% 1 раз в 12 месяцев; 15,1% - периодически. Несмотря на многочисленные исследования, доказывающие эффективность тиоктовой кислоты 9,8% пациентов ни разу не получали препараты тиоктовой кислоты, даже не смотря на длительный (более 10 лет) стаж сахарного диабета. Было выявлено, что пациенты, получавшие Меглюминовую соль тиоктовой кислоты (МСТК) 2 раза в год имели более выраженный прирост минеральной плотности костной ткани на фоне стандартной антирезорбтивной терапии, наибольший прирост МПК отмечен на фоне применения Золендроновой кислоты +3,1 Терипаратид +2,5%; Деносумаб +2,4%; Ранелат стронция +2,1%. При применении МСТ - 1 раз в год прирост МПК на фоне применения Золендроновой кислоты +2,1 Терипаратид +1,9%; Деносумаб +1,4%; Ранелат стронция +1,4%. Из 20 пациентов получавших ранелат стронция у 25% в анамнезе выл верифицирован диагноз ИБС - стенокардия, без инфаркта миокарда в анамнезе У 100% пациентов получавших меглюминовую соль тиоктовой кислоты не отмечено отрицательной динамики, в то время как у пациентов не получавших данный вид терапии у 1 пациентки отмечена отрицательная динамика - увеличение частоты ишемических приступов. Пациенты, получавшие в качестве антирезорбтивной терапии - Золендроновую кислоту отметили хорошую переносимость препарата на фоне проведения 2 курсов в год в/в инфузий МСТК (Тиогамма 600 мг в/в 14-20 дней и 20 дней per os). Так гипертермия отмечена максимально до 38,5°, в то время как пациенты, не получавшие данной терапии, отмечали повышение температуры тела до 39°. У пациентов с декомпенсированным СД и в возрасте старше 65 лет было зарегистрировано 2 компессионных перелома позвонков и 5 переломов луча в типичном месте на ранних сроках (первые 3 месяца) антирезорбтивной терапии (из них 4 на фоне применения алендроновой кислоты, 1 - золендроновой кислоты и 2 на фоне ранелата стронция). Выводы. В комплексном лечении пациентов с пациентов с Сахарным диабетом 2 типа и остеопорозом должны применяться не только антирезорбтивные препараты и современные сахароснижающие средства, позволяющие добиться стойкой компенсации по основным показателям углеводного обмена, но и систематическое применение меглюминовой соли тиоктовой кислоты.

VV DOROFEYKOV, V I IVANOV, I V KAYSTRYa et al.

Целью настоящей работы было исследование уровня витамина D(OH) у пожилых жителей Санкт-Петербурга и его ассоциации с маркером хронической сердечной недостаточности - мозговым натрийуретическим пептидом (МНП). Материал и методы. Для решения поставленной задачи в феврале-марте было обследовано 209 пациентов, не принимавших препараты витамина D в течение предыдущих шести месяцев. Возраст пациентов варьировал от 71 до 91 года, с медианой равной 77 годам. 72,7% (152 пациента) выборки составили женщины. В качестве лабораторного показателя статуса витамина D использовали сывороточный уровень 25-гидроксивитамина D [25(ОН)D]. Все исследования проводили на автоматическом анализаторе «ARCHITECT i1000 SR» с использованием наборов реактивов, калибраторов и контролей фирмы «Abbott» (США). Результаты. Сывороточная концентрация 25(ОН)D у пациентов изменялась от 5,0 до 28,0 нг/мл при следующих устойчивых показателях распределения: медиана 15,5 нг/мл (25-й процентиль равен 12,8 нг/мл, 75-й процентиль - 19,7 нг/мл). Рассчитанный медианный доверительный интервал позволяет утверждать, что медиана популяционной совокупности витамина D с вероятностью 0,95 будет находиться в пределах от 14,9 до 16,8 нг/мл. Достоверных различий в обеспеченности витамином D по полу не выявлено, что подтверждается рассчитанным U-критерием Манна-Уитни (Z=-1.267, p=0.205). В ходе исследования установлено, что тяжелый дефицит D (уровень кальцидиола в крови менее 10 нг/мл) имел место у 9,6% (20/209) обследованных, у 66,0% (138/209) пациентов наблюдался дефицит (гиповитаминоз) (25(ОН)D в пределах от 10 до 20 нг/мл, включительно) и у 24,4% (51/209) был пониженный уровень витамина D (от 21 до 30 нг/мл). Обнаружена ассоциация дефицита витамина D с уровнем мозгового натрийуретического пептида (МНП), являющегося маркером хронической сердечной недостаточности. Риск иметь уровень МНП выше 100 пг/мл, т.е. выше нормы, в группе пациентов с авитаминозом был в 1,9 (95% ДИ 1,14-3,23) раза вероятней, чем в группе с дефицитом витамина и в 2,6 (95% ДИ 1,257-5,175) раза выше, чем в группе с пониженным уровнем витамина D. Выводы. Относительный риск сердечно-сосудистых заболеваний увеличивается с уменьшением концентрации сывороточного витамина D. Необходимы дополнительные рандомизированные исследования для корректного выявления роли низкого статуса витамина D в нарушении функции сердца.

GEROLD HOLZER

Subchondral bone changes seem to contribute to the progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). The study aimed to analyze subchondral bone microstructure in specimens of late-stage knee OA in respect to articular cartilage damage, meniscus integrity and knee joint alignment. Methods and Materials: 30 proximal tibiae of 30 patients (20 female and 10 male) with late-stage OA retrieved during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were scanned using a high-resolution MicroComputed Tomography (μCT). The scans were semi-automatically segmented into five volumes of interest (VOIs). The VOIs were than further analyzed using commercially available software. The degree of articular cartilage damage was assessed semi-quantitatively by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before surgery. Results: The mean bone fraction volume (BV/TV) in all weight bearing locations was significantly higher compared to the non weight-bearing reference point below the anterior cruciate ligament (p=0,000). The mean BV/TV in the medial compartment was significantly higher compared to the lateral compartment (p=0,007). The BV/TV in intact menisci, there was a significantly lower subchondral BV/TV compared to subluxated or luxated menisci in the medial (p=0,020) and lateral compartment (p=0,005). Varus alignment had a significantly higher subchondral BV/TV in the medial compartment, whereas valgus alignment had a significantly higher subchondral BV/TV in the lateral compartment (p=0,011). Conclusion: The results show significant differences of subchondral bone microstructural parameters in respect to cartilage damage, meniscus’ structural integrity and knee joint alignment. Therefore, subchondral bone changes seem to be a secondary process in the late-stage OA of knee caused by mechanical changes.

Rodríguez-Sanz M, Prieto-Alhambra D, Servitja S et al.

Objetivos: El objetivo del estudio fue analizar los cambios en la densidad mineral ósea (DMO) a lo largo del tratamiento con inhibidores de aromatasa (IA) en la práctica clínica y evaluar la asociación entre el gen CYP11A1 y la variación de DMO al final del tratamiento. Material y métodos: La cohorte B-ABLE es un estudio prospectivo de mujeres postmenopáusicas con cáncer de mama, en tratamiento con IA. Se analizó la variación de DMO durante todo el tratamiento con IA, así como las diferencias entre las pacientes tratadas y no-tratadas previamente con tamoxifeno (TMX). Tres polimorfismos (rs4077581, rs11632698 y rs900798) del gen CYP11A1, fueron genotipados para su asociación con la variación de DMO. Resultados: Las pacientes tratadas con TMX mostraron pérdidas más aceleradas de DMO que las no tratadas previamente con TMX (60% menos en columna y 46% en fémur a los 2 años y 70% menos en columna y 63% en fémur a los 3 años). No obstante, al final del tratamiento no se detectaron diferencias significativas en la pérdida de DMO entre ambos grupos de pacientes. Los 3 polimorfismos del gen CYP11A1 resultaron significativamente asociados a la variación de DMO en fémur al final del tratamiento. Conclusiones: La DMO disminuyó de forma más acelerada en las pacientes con tratamiento previo con TMX que en las que solo recibieron AI, a pesar de que no se detectaron diferencias significativas al final de tratamiento. Polimorfismos en el gen CYP11A1 están relacionados con la variación de la DMO en respuesta al tratamiento con IA.

Sabine D Klein, Loredana Torchetti, Martin Frei-Erb et al.

<h4>Background</h4>Complementary medicine (CM) is popular in Switzerland. Several CM methods (traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, homeopathy, anthroposophic medicine, neural therapy, and herbal medicine) are currently covered by the mandatory basic health insurance when performed by a certified physician. Treatments by non-medical therapists are partially covered by a supplemental and optional health insurance. In this study, we investigated the frequency of CM use including the evolvement over time, the most popular methods, and the user profile.<h4>Methods</h4>Data of the Swiss Health Surveys 2007 and 2012 were used. In 2007 and 2012, a population of 14,432 and 18,357, respectively, aged 15 years or older answered the written questionnaire. A set of questions queried about the frequency of use of various CM methods within the last 12 months before the survey. Proportions of usage and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for these methods and CM in general. Users and non-users of CM were compared using logistic regression models.<h4>Results</h4>The most popular methods in 2012 were homeopathy, naturopathy, osteopathy, herbal medicine, and acupuncture. The average number of treatments within the 12 months preceding the survey ranged from 3 for homeopathy to 6 for acupuncture. 25.0% of the population at the age of 15 and older had used at least one CM method in the previous 12 months. People with a chronic illness or a poor self-perceived health status were more likely to use CM. Similar to other countries, women, people of middle age, and those with higher education were more likely to use CM. 59.9% of the adult population had a supplemental health insurance that partly covered CM treatments.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Usage of CM in Switzerland remained unchanged between 2007 and 2012. The user profile in Switzerland was similar to other countries, such as Germany, United Kingdom, United States or Australia.

L V Egshatyan, E N Dudinskaya, O N Tkacheva et al.

This review shows the role of vitamin D in the regulation of not only the level of calcium, but also in the pathogenesis of chronic systemic inflammation, disruption of insulin sensitivity of tissues. The sufficient levels of vitamin D in the blood can lead to reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes, obesity, autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells, certain cardiometa-bolic risk factors, and therefore cardiovascular disease. Perhaps preparations of vitamin D in the near future may become additional and necessary nutritional substances for correction of insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammation and prevention of disorders of glucose metabolism.

Namula Zhao, Mei Wang, Xue-en Li

OBJECTIVE To explore the concept and norm of fracture healing with osteopathy in traditional Mongolian medicine (TMM). METHODS Based on the correspondence between man and the universe (including psychosomatic integration) in fracture healing with osteopathy in TMM, we used modern physio-psychological and biomechanical principles and methods to probe the integrated, dynamic and functional characteristics of fracture healing. RESULTS Based on the integration of limbs and the body, unification of the body and function and harmony of man and nature (including psychosomatic integration), fracture healing with osteopathy in TMM comprises the concept of natural functional healing of fractures, and follows the norm of considering physiological healing and psychological function as well as limb healing and motor function. CONCLUSION Fracture healing with osteopathy in TMM is characterized by a lack of trauma without future complications. This therapy makes the concept of fracture healing develop in the direction of humanity, behaviorism and integration.

Dévan Rajendran, P. Bright, Steven Bettles et al.

C. Xue, A. Zhang, V. Lin et al.

BackgroundThere have been no published national studies on the use in Australia of the manipulative therapies, acupuncture, chiropractic or osteopathy, or on matters including the purposes for which these therapies are used, treatment outcomes and the socio-demographic characteristics of users.MethodsThis study on the three manipulative therapies was a component of a broader investigation on the use of complementary and alternative therapies. For this we conducted a cross-sectional, population survey on a representative sample of 1,067 adults from the six states and two territories of Australia in 2005 by computer-assisted telephone interviews. The sample was recruited by random digit dialling.ResultsOver a 12-month period, approximately one in four adult Australians used either acupuncture (9.2%), chiropractic (16.1%) or osteopathy (4.6%) at least once. It is estimated that, adult Australians made 32.3 million visits to acupuncturists, chiropractors and osteopaths, incurring personal expenditure estimated to be A$1.58 billion in total. The most common conditions treated were back pain and related problems and over 90% of the users of each therapy considered their treatment to be very or somewhat helpful. Adverse events are reported. Nearly one fifth of users were referred to manipulative therapy practitioners by medical practitioners.ConclusionThere is substantial use of manipulative therapies by adult Australians, especially for back-related problems. Treatments incur considerable personal expenditure. In general, patient experience is positive. Referral by medical practitioners is a major determinant of use of these manipulative therapies.

Rob Pettitt, R. Fox, Eithne Comerford et al.

Anand Rahigude, Shyam Kaulaskar, P. Bhutada