OBJECTIVES:This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate and compare upper extremity functions and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between Non-specific neck pain (NSNP) patients and healthy controls. METHODS:This is a cross-sectional descriptive study included 80 individuals. The patient group comprised 40 NSNP patients, while the control group consisted of 40 healthy women. Upper extremity functions were assessed using Nine Hole Peg Test (9HPT), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), hand grip and pinch strength, Ruler Drop Test (RDT), Shoulder Position Sense and Single Arm Military Press Test (SAMP). HRQoL was assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36). Neck pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and neck disability using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). RESULTS:The patient and control groups showed statistically significant differences for 9HPT, SAMP, RDT, DASH scores, and hand grip and pinch strengths (p<0.05). All subcategories of HRQoL were statistically significantly lower in patients than in control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Compared to healthy controls, women with NSNP demonstrated worse upper extremity function and HRQoL. Assessment of upper extremity function may be considered as part of routine evaluation, and rehabilitation programs could consider incorporating targeted interventions to enhance these functions. CLINICALTRIALS:gov ID: NCT06233006.
Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), a connective tissue disorder also known as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Type III or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder, present notable symptom overlap and higher than expected level of comorbidity. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis found that the overall prevalence of joint hypermobility in autistic individuals was 22.3%, rising to 31% when clinically assessed. The overall prevalence of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder was 27.9%, rising to 39% when clinically assessed rather than self-reported. This comorbidity is likely underrepresented due to factors including gender-related underdiagnosis, limited awareness, and fragmented care. Despite this, research at the disorders' intersection remains limited. In this narrative review, we aim to (i) examine hEDS and ASD from a clinical and molecular perspective; (ii) review literature regarding the WNT/β-catenin pathway and matrix metalloproteinases' involvement in fibroblast phenotypes, extracellular matrix regulation, and synaptogenesis; and (iii) evaluate how pathway dysregulation may connect each disorder's tissue and neurodevelopmental traits. Although both disorders remain pathophysiologically elusive, we hope to shed light on their co-occurrence and promote future research by exploring how these disorders are possibly linked, specifically via WNT/β-catenin and matrix metalloproteinase activity.
OBJECTIVES:Jumping mechanography is a common method to analyze muscle function. To date, mainly age- or weight-specific pediatric reference centiles for jumping mechanography have been published. The use of age-related references in children with small stature (defined as height below the age-specific third centile) might lead to misinterpretation of actual jumping performance. Thus, the study aim was the development of height-specific mechanography reference centiles of healthy children and show application in children with small stature. METHODS:Data from 882 children (aged 6-18 years; height 100-200cm) from the DONALD cohort was analyzed using the LMS (lambda-mu-sigma)-method. Sex-specific centiles were calculated for maximal velocity (Vmax), Nerve-Muscle Index (NMI), maximal power (Pmax) and maximal force (Fmax), both related to body mass. Age- and height-specific jumping parameters were individually compared in healthy children with small stature. RESULTS:Vmax, Pmax and NMI increased with higher stature until a plateau was reached. Fmax stayed rather stable over time. Age-specific z-scores of Vmax, Pmax and NMI in children with small stature were lower than the height-specific z-scores. CONCLUSIONS:In this article first height- and sex-specific reference centiles for jumping mechanography in healthy German children are presented. This study highlights the beneficial application of height-specific reference centiles for interpretation of jumping performance in children with small stature.
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the association between vitamin D status or vitamin D-related interventions and outcomes following lumbar spinal fusion. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to January 2026 in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies including adult patients undergoing lumbar fusion with assessment of vitamin D status or supplementation and a comparator group were eligible. Random-effects models were used as the primary analyses. Nine studies were included. Five studies (n = 351) assessed radiographic fusion success, demonstrating a significantly higher likelihood of fusion in patients with better vitamin D status or supplementation (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.13-1.38; I2 = 0%). Six studies (n = 3,081) evaluated fusion failure, showing a significantly lower risk in vitamin D-exposed groups (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.27-0.76; I2 = 34.8%). Sensitivity analyses indicated that heterogeneity was partly related to differences in outcome definitions and study design. Patient-reported outcomes showed inconsistent results, with no significant effects in random-effects analyses and changes below minimal clinically important differences. Vitamin D exposure was associated with improved radiographic outcomes; however, findings should be interpreted cautiously due to clinical and methodological heterogeneity. Further prospective studies are required.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the association between foot health, musculoskeletal pain, and HRQoL in adults residing in the Makkah region, Saudi Arabia. METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2024 and June 2025 among 396 adults aged 19-60 years. Participants completed an online survey including the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ), the Arabic RAND-36 HRQoL survey, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation analyses, and multivariable linear regression models were used to examine associations and predictors of foot health outcomes. RESULTS:The 12-month prevalence of MSK pain was 90.2%, most commonly affecting the lower back (64.9%), shoulders (63.4%), and neck (51.3%). Significant positive correlations were observed between FHSQ domains (p < 0.001). General foot health was positively associated with social functioning and vigor. Male sex was associated with better foot health outcomes, while obesity and smoking were associated with poorer scores in several domains. CONCLUSION:MSK pain is highly prevalent and associated with poorer foot health and reduced aspects of HRQoL. Integrated assessment of foot and musculoskeletal health may improve functional outcomes and well-being in community populations.
