| 2021 |
Dinsdale A, Liang Z, Thomas L, Treleaven J, 'Is jaw muscle activity impaired in adults with persistent temporomandibular disorders? A systematic review and meta-analysis', JOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, (2021)
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| 2020 |
Avijgan M, Thomas LC, Osmotherly PG, Bolton PS, 'A Systematic Review of the Diagnostic Criteria Used to Select Participants in Randomised Controlled Trials of Interventions Used to Treat Cervicogenic Headache', Headache, 60 15-27 (2020) [C1]
© 2019 American Headache Society Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic criteria used in randomized controlled trials to define trial participants as hav... [more] © 2019 American Headache Society Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic criteria used in randomized controlled trials to define trial participants as having cervicogenic headache (CeH). Background: While animal and human studies suggest a biological basis for ¿cervicogenic¿ headaches the diagnostic criteria necessary to evidence CeH are debated. Methods: A systematic review was undertaken guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. An electronic search of MEDLINE, Cochrane, CINHAL, Pedro, AMED, and EMBASE online databases of randomized controlled trials published between January 1983 and October 2018 found 39 randomized controlled trials which met the study inclusion criteria. Results: Two independent reviewers found most trials cited 1 (31/39; 79.5%) or more (3/39; 7.6%) references to define the criteria used to identify CeH in their study participants. In spite of updated publications concerning the characteristics and definition of CeH, many (27/39; 69.2%) used diagnostic criteria published between 5 and 24¿years prior to the randomized controlled trial. The most commonly cited diagnostic criteria included unilateral headache (18/39; 46.2%), cervical movement or sustained posture that either provoked (18/39; 46.2%) or precipitated (17/39; 43.6%) the headache. Fifteen trials did not exclude participants with signs or symptoms of other forms of headache. Although anesthetic blockade of cervical tissue or nerves is considered necessary for a ¿definitive¿ diagnosis, only 7.6% (3/39) of trials used anesthetic blockade at recruitment. Conclusions: This systematic review evidences the heterogeneity in the clinical characteristics used to diagnose CeH in participants recruited in randomized controlled trials. It raises a significant concern about the usefulness of currently available randomized controlled trials to determine the clinical merits of the treatment and management of people with CeHs. Our systematic review suggests that most randomized controlled trials published to date have investigated headaches with a clinical presentation involving the neck that maybe better defined as ¿possible,¿ ¿probable,¿ or ¿definitive¿ CeH depending on how well the diagnostic criteria used align with the most recent edition (3rd) of the International Classification of Headache Disorders.
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| 2020 |
Xie Y, Jun D, Thomas L, Coombes BK, Johnston V, 'Comparing Central Pain Processing in Individuals With Non-Traumatic Neck Pain and Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis', Journal of Pain, 21 1101-1124 (2020)
© 2020 United States Association for the Study of Pain, Inc. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the evidence for altered central pain processing in people with nont... [more] © 2020 United States Association for the Study of Pain, Inc. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the evidence for altered central pain processing in people with nontraumatic neck pain and the relationship among central pain processing, demographics, and pain-related characteristics. Case-control studies reporting measures of altered central pain processing using quantitative sensory testing were reviewed. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals between people with nontraumatic neck pain and controls were calculated. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models when appropriate. Associations between SMDs with demographics and pain-related characteristics were explored on a study level using metaregression. Twenty-six studies were eligible with 25 included for meta-analysis. Meta-analysis demonstrated mechanical hyperalgesia at remote nonpainful sites in the full sample (sample size [n] = 1305, SMD = -0.68) and in the subgroup with moderate/severe disability (n = 165, SMD = -0.86; moderate-quality evidence). Metaregression indicated that remote mechanical hyperalgesia was negatively associated with age (R2 = 25.4%, P = 0.031). Very low- to low-quality evidence of remote cold and heat hyperalgesia and dysfunctional conditioned pain modulation were identified. This review suggests that altered central pain processing is present in people with nontraumatic neck pain and may be associated with disability levels and age. Perspective: This review found moderate-quality evidence of mechanical hyperalgesia at remote nonpainful sites in patients with nontraumatic neck pain compared with controls, indicating altered central pain processing. However, more studies are needed to confirm findings from dynamic quantitative sensory testing.
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| 2020 |
Alhusuny A, Cook M, Khalil A, Thomas L, Johnston V, 'Characteristics of headaches among surgeons and associated factors: A cross-sectional study', Surgeon, (2020)
© 2020 Background: Surgeons performing Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) report significant neck/shoulder problems and visual symptoms. Headache is another commonly reported sympto... [more] © 2020 Background: Surgeons performing Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) report significant neck/shoulder problems and visual symptoms. Headache is another commonly reported symptom but publications about the characteristics and associated risk factors are limited. Purpose of the study: To determine the characteristics of headache among MIS surgeons and the associations of headache with neck/shoulder problems, visual symptoms and other associated factors. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: A comprehensive online survey was sent to MIS surgeons inclusive of 63 questions about individual and workplace physical factors, characteristics of headache, neck/shoulder problems and visual symptoms. Binary logistic regression models were conducted to determine the associations of the prevalence and severity of headache with risk factors. The main findings: Headaches in the last 7 days were reported by 36% of surgeons, with 37% of these of moderate to severe intensity. Frequent intense headaches were often preceded by neck pain. Surgeons with headache were eight times more likely to also experience visual symptoms and four times more likely to experience neck/shoulder problems. Several factors (frequently adopting forward head movement, surgical specialty, sex and age) were significantly associated with headaches (p = 0.05). Conclusions: This study revealed headaches were present in one-third of MIS surgeons. During surgery, surgeons report adopting non-neutral neck/shoulder/head positions, which may explain headaches, neck/shoulder problems and visual symptoms. Evidence based strategies to assist surgeons better manage these symptoms are warranted.
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| 2020 |
Thomas LC, Chan K, Durbridge G, 'Changes in internal carotid and vertebral arterial wall stiffness with head movement can be detected with shear wave elastography', Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, 28 103-110 (2020)
© 2019, © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Background: Safe practice is important for patients with neck pain, with the potential for injury to ce... [more] © 2019, © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Background: Safe practice is important for patients with neck pain, with the potential for injury to cervical arteries. Cervical manipulation or end range techniques/positions may place considerable strain on the arteries. Altered integrity of the arterial wall may render them more susceptible to minor trauma, particularly in the upper cervical region. Screening of blood flow velocity is limited for predicting those at risk. Examining properties of the cervical arterial wall (stiffness characteristics) and their response to head movement may provide an alternate measure of arterial susceptibility. Objectives: To investigate whether shear wave ultrasound elastography can detect any changes in internal carotid (ICA) and vertebral (VA) arterial wall stiffness in neutral compared with contralateral head rotation. Design: Observational study Methods: Shear wave ultrasound elastography was used to measure the stiffness of the ICA and VA. Shear wave velocity (m/s), indicative of arterial stiffness, was measured in both arteries proximally (C3¿4) and distally (C1¿2) in neutral and contralateral head rotation as were intimal thickness (mm) and flow velocity (cm/s). Results: Thirty participants (20¿62 years) were successfully imaged. The VA was stiffer than ICA and it became significantly stiffer in contralateral rotation (p = 0.05). The ICA became significantly less stiff (p = 0.01). Effects were more apparent at C1¿2 but significant in the ICA only (p = 0.03). Flow velocity and intimal thickness were unchanged in rotation. Conclusions: Changes in VA and ICA arterial wall stiffness can be measured with shear wave ultrasound elastography. This measure may ultimately help identify arteries with greater vulnerability to rotational stresses.
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| 2020 |
Thomas LC, Treleaven J, 'Response to the letter to the editor regarding the continued use of the vertebrobasilar insufficiency test', Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 45 (2020)
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| 2020 |
Thomas L, Treleaven J, 'Should we abandon positional testing for vertebrobasilar insufficiency?', MUSCULOSKELETAL SCIENCE AND PRACTICE, 46 (2020)
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| 2020 |
Xie Y, Coombes BK, Thomas L, Johnston V, 'Musculoskeletal Pain and Disability in Sonographers: More Than an Ergonomic Issue', Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography, 33 1526-1527 (2020)
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| 2020 |
Dinsdale A, Liang Z, Thomas L, Treleaven J, 'Are jaw range of motion, muscle function and proprioception impaired in adults with persistent temporomandibular disorders? A systematic review and meta-analysis', JOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, 47 1448-1478 (2020)
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| 2019 |
Liang Z, Galea O, Thomas L, Jull G, Treleaven J, '5 Cervical musculoskeletal impairments in migraine and tension type headache: A systematic review and meta-analysis', MUSCULOSKELETAL SCIENCE AND PRACTICE, 42 67-83 (2019)
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| 2019 |
Thomas L, Allen M, Shirley D, Rivett D, 'Australian musculoskeletal physiotherapist's perceptions, attitudes and opinions towards pre-manipulative screening of the cervical spine prior to manual therapy: Report from the focus groups.', Musculoskeletal science & practice, 39 123-129 (2019) [C1]
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| 2019 |
Thomas L, Low J, Chan K, Durbridge G, 'Shear wave elastography of the cervical arteries: A novel approach to the assessment of cervical arterial wall stiffness. An investigation of psychometric properties and intra-rater reliability', MUSCULOSKELETAL SCIENCE AND PRACTICE, 40 96-100 (2019)
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| 2019 |
Xie Y, Thomas L, Hug F, Johnston V, Coombes BK, 'Quantifying cervical and axioscapular muscle stiffness using shear wave elastography', JOURNAL OF ELECTROMYOGRAPHY AND KINESIOLOGY, 48 94-102 (2019)
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| 2018 |
Daly L, Giffard P, Thomas L, Treleaven J, 'Validity of clinical measures of smooth pursuit eye movement control in patients with idiopathic neck pain', MUSCULOSKELETAL SCIENCE AND PRACTICE, 33 18-23 (2018)
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| 2017 |
Thomas LC, Hall LA, Attia JR, Holliday EG, Markus HS, Levi CR, 'Seasonal Variation in Spontaneous Cervical Artery Dissection: Comparing between UK and Australian Sites', Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, 26 177-185 (2017) [C1]
© 2017 National Stroke Association Background Cervical artery dissection (CAD) is a leading cause of stroke among middle-aged adults, but the etiology is unclear. Some reports of ... [more] © 2017 National Stroke Association Background Cervical artery dissection (CAD) is a leading cause of stroke among middle-aged adults, but the etiology is unclear. Some reports of seasonal variation in CAD incidence have been suggested but may reflect extreme climatic conditions. Seasonal variation may implicate more transient seasonal causes such as proinflammatory or hypercoagulable states. This study aimed to assess whether CAD incidence varied with season between UK and Australian sites. Also, this study aimed to determine whether there was a different pattern of seasonal variation between arteries (carotid and vertebral) and any association between CAD incidence and clinical factors. Methods This was a retrospective observational study of patients older than 18 years with radiological diagnosis of internal carotid or vertebral arterial dissection, from sites in Australia and the UK. Clinical variables were compared between autumn-winter and spring-summer and site of dissection. Results A total of 133 CAD cases were documented in Australia and 242 in the UK. There was a seasonal pattern to CAD incidence in countries in both the northern and the southern hemispheres, with a trend for dissection to occur more commonly in autumn, winter, and spring than in summer (incidence rate ratios [IRR] 1.4-1.5, P¿<¿.05). CAD counts were also slightly higher in internal carotid than in vertebral artery (IRRs 1.168, 1.43, and 1.127, respectively). Neither systolic blood pressure nor pulse pressure was significantly associated with CAD counts. Conclusions CAD occurs more commonly in cooler months regardless of geographical location, suggesting transient seasonal causes may be important in the pathophysiology. This effect was slightly higher in internal carotid than in vertebral artery, suggesting differing trigger mechanisms between dissection sites.
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| 2016 |
Thomas LC, 'Cervical arterial dissection: An overview and implications for manipulative therapy practice', Manual Therapy, 21 2-9 (2016)
© 2015 Elsevier Ltd. Introduction: Cervical arterial dissection (CAD) is a common cause of stroke in young people under 55 years. It can occur spontaneously or subsequent to minor... [more] © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. Introduction: Cervical arterial dissection (CAD) is a common cause of stroke in young people under 55 years. It can occur spontaneously or subsequent to minor trauma or infection. The incidence is difficult to determine accurately as not all CAD progress to stroke. CAD is the most catastrophic adverse event associated with cervical manipulative therapy but it is rare. Early features of CAD can mimic a painful musculoskeletal presentation and a patient may present for treatment of neck pain and headache with a dissection in progress. Whether the manipulative technique is responsible for dissection or whether the diagnosis of CAD has been missed is unclear. Identification of individuals at risk, or early recognition of CAD could help expedite medical intervention and avoid inappropriate treatment. Purpose: The aims of this masterclass are to outline current research into the pathophysiology, aetiology and clinical presentation of CAD, to place the risk in context in a manipulative therapy setting and to discuss its possible clinical recognition. Implications: For those patients presenting with recent onset, moderate to severe unusual headache or neck pain, clinicians should perform a careful history, in particular questioning about recent exposure to head/neck trauma or neck strain. Cardiovascular factors may not be particularly useful indicators of risk of dissection. Clinicians should also be alert to reports of transient neurological dysfunction such as visual disturbance and balance deficits, arm paraesthesia and speech deficits, as these may be subtle. If clinicians suspect arterial dissection is in progress patients should be urgently referred for medical evaluation.
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| 2015 |
Thomas L, McLeod L, Osmotherly PG, Rivett DA, 'The effect of end-range cervical rotation on vertebral and internal carotid arterial blood flow and cerebral inflow: A sub analysis of an MRI study', Manual Therapy, 20 475-480 (2015) [C1]
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| 2015 |
Thomas LC, Rivett DA, Attia JR, Levi C, 'Risk factors and clinical presentation of cervical arterial dissection: Preliminary results of a prospective case-control study', Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 45 503-511 (2015) [C1]
Copyright ©2015 Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy®. All rights reserved. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional case-control study. OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factor... [more] Copyright ©2015 Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy®. All rights reserved. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional case-control study. OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors and clinical presentation of individuals with cervical arterial dissection. BACKGROUND: Cervical arterial dissection is a common cause of stroke in young people and has in rare cases been associated with cervical manipulative therapy. The mechanism is considered to involve pre-existing arterial susceptibility and a precipitating event, such as minor trauma. Identification of individuals at risk or early recognition of a dissection in progress could help expedite medical intervention and avoid inappropriate treatment. METHODS: Participants were individuals 55 years of age or younger from the Hunter region of New South Wales, Australia with radiologically confirmed vertebral or internal carotid artery dissection and an age- and sex-matched comparison group. Participants were interviewed about risk factors, preceding events, and clinical features of their stroke. Physical examination of joint mobility and soft tissue compliance was undertaken. RESULTS: Twenty-four participants with cervical arterial dissection and 21 matched comparisons with ischemic stroke but not dissection were included in the study. Seventeen (71%) of the 24 participants with dissection reported a recent history of minor mechanical neck trauma or strain, with 4 of these 17 reporting recent neck manipulative therapy treatment. Cardiovascular risk factors were uncommon, with the exception of diagnosed migraine. Among the participants with dissection, 67% reported transient ischemic features in the month prior to their admission for dissection. CONCLUSION: Recent minor mechanical trauma or strain to the head or neck appears to be associated with cervical arterial dissection. General cardiovascular risk factors, with the exception of migraine, were not important risk factors for dissection in this cohort. Preceding transient neurological symptoms appear to occur commonly and may assist in the identification of this serious pathology.
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| 2014 |
Thomas LC, Rivett DA, Parsons M, Levi C, 'Risk factors, radiological features, and infarct topography of craniocervical arterial dissection.', International Journal of Stroke, 9 1073-1082 (2014) [C1]
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| 2013 |
Thomas LC, Rivett DA, Bateman G, Stanwell P, Levi CR, 'Effect of Selected Manual Therapy Interventions for Mechanical Neck Pain on Vertebral and Internal Carotid Arterial Blood Flow and Cerebral Inflow', PHYSICAL THERAPY, 93 1563-1574 (2013) [C1]
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| 2012 |
Thomas L, Rivett DA, Parsons M, Levi C, 'Risk factors, radiological features and infarct topography of craniocervical arterial dissection.', International Journal of Stroke, 9 1073-1082 (2012)
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| 2012 |
Thomas L, Rivett DA, Attia JR, Levi CR, 'Risk factors and clinical presentation of craniocervical arterial dissection: A prospective study', BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 13 1-6 (2012) [C3]
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| 2011 |
Thomas L, Rivett DA, Attia JR, Parsons MW, Levi CR, 'Risk factors and clinical features of craniocervical arterial dissection', Manual Therapy, 16 351-356 (2011) [C1]
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| 2009 |
Thomas L, Rivett DA, Bolton PS, 'Validity of the Doppler velocimeter in examination of vertebral artery blood flow and its use in pre-manipulative screening of the neck', Manual Therapy, 14 544-549 (2009) [C1]
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| 2009 |
Thomas L, Rivett DA, Bolton PS, 'Comments in response to letter to the editor', Manual Therapy, 14 E7-E8 (2009) [C3]
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| 2009 |
Thomas L, Rivett DA, Bolton PS, 'Comments in response to letter to the editor by Karl et al. Manual Therapy 2009;14(6):e17', Manual Therapy, 14 E18 (2009) [C3]
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| 2008 |
Thomas L, Rivett DA, Bolton PS, 'Pre-manipulative testing and the use of the velocimeter', Manual Therapy, 13 29-36 (2008) [C1]
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| 2008 |
Thomas L, Rivett DA, Bolton PS, 'Comments in response to letters to editor regarding article: Thomas LC, et al. Premanipulative testing and the velocimeter. Manual Therapy (2007)', Manual Therapy, 13 E5-E6 (2008) [C3]
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| 2005 |
Rivett DA, Thomas L, Bolton PS, 'Pre-manipulative testing: where do we go from here?', New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, 33 78-84 (2005) [C1]
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