European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicine
-
Eur J Phys Rehabil Med · Jun 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyPsychological features and outcomes of the Back School treatment in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. A randomized controlled study.
Low back pain is a worldwide health problem, affecting up to 80% of adult population. Psychological factors are involved in its development and maintenance. Many clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy of different interventions for chronic non-specific low back pain. In this field, Back School program has been demonstrated effective for people with chronic non-specific low back. ⋯ Because of its educational purposes, the Back School treatment can have positive effects also on the mental status of patients with low back pain when it affects their psychological features.
-
Eur J Phys Rehabil Med · Jun 2012
Comparative Study Controlled Clinical TrialActive myofascial trigger points might be more frequent in patients with cervical radiculopathy.
Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are commonly observed in the neck, parascapular region, and upper back muscles of patients with cervical pathology. ⋯ The treatment of cervical radiculopathy might be facilitated the improving in aMTrPs located in aforementioned muscles.
-
Eur J Phys Rehabil Med · Jun 2012
ReviewAction observation and mirror neuron network: a tool for motor stroke rehabilitation.
Mirror neurons are a specific class of neurons that are activated and discharge both during observation of the same or similar motor act performed by another individual and during the execution of a motor act. Different studies based on non invasive neuroelectrophysiological assessment or functional brain imaging techniques have demonstrated the presence of the mirror neuron and their mechanism in humans. Various authors have demonstrated that in the human these networks are activated when individuals learn motor actions via execution (as in traditional motor learning), imitation, observation (as in observational learning) and motor imagery. ⋯ It is therefore believed that this multi-sensory action-observation system enables individuals to (re) learn impaired motor functions through the activation of these internal action-related representations. In humans, the mirror mechanism is also located in various brain segment: in Broca's area, which is involved in language processing and speech production and not only in centres that mediate voluntary movement, but also in cortical areas that mediate visceromotor emotion-related behaviours. On basis of this finding, during the last 10 years various studies were carry out regarding the clinical use of action observation for motor rehabilitation of sub-acute and chronic stroke patients.
-
Eur J Phys Rehabil Med · Jun 2012
Comparative StudyProprioception and functional deficits of partial meniscectomized knees.
The partial meniscectomy leads to proprioceptive knee deficits in a short period after the arthroscopic procedure; however, to our knowledge, a limited number of studies have investigated the long-term outcomes of partial meniscectomy on the knee joint proprioception. ⋯ The present study demonstrated that 1-2 years after partial meniscectomy, patients had reduced proprioception and knee muscular ability in the operated leg compared to the non-operated leg. Clinical rehabilitation impact. Proprioception and knee muscular ability deficits significantly affect objective knee function, indicating the importance not only of the restoring muscle function but also of the proprioception ability in partial meniscectomy patients.
-
Eur J Phys Rehabil Med · Jun 2012
Case ReportsPersistent hiccup after surgical resection of a brainstem arteriovenous malformation: a case successfully treated with gabapentin during rehabilitation. Case report.
Persistent hiccup rarely occurs during rehabilitation, but its management can prove to be very difficult, particularly in presence of associated dysphagia, requiring longer hospitalization and higher risk of severe clinical complications. We present a case of persistent hiccup after surgical resection of a brainstem arteriovenous malformation successfully treated with gabapentin during rehabilitation.