PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Randomized controlled trial comparing acupuncture with placebo acupuncture for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.
To investigate the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). ⋯ To our knowledge, this study is the first randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded prospective study of traditional acupuncture for CTS. Both the treatment and placebo groups demonstrated improvements from baseline. Acupuncture was not shown to be superior to placebo acupuncture when used in conjunction with bracing for patients with mild to moderate CTS.
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The intent of this focused clinical review is to assess the current literature on a variety of complementary and alternative medicine treatments for osteoarthritis. This review assesses acupuncture techniques, moxibustion, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, low-level laser therapy, and massage. These treatment methods are growing in popularity among the general public. It is important that providers become aware of the existing literature regarding the efficacy of these alternative methods for the treatment of osteoarthritis to adequately respond to the inquiries of our patients.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Initial recovery trajectories among patients with hip fracture: a conceptual approach to exploring comparative effectiveness in postacute care.
To assess whether clusters of patients with hip fracture and with distinct initial recovery trajectories (IRT) could be identified by using practice-based evidence data and to examine the validity of these data. ⋯ The IRT concept appears to be valid in patients with hip fracture who were treated with hip arthroplasty, and may assist in evaluating and comparing the effectiveness of postacute rehabilitation services.
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Comparative Study
Predictors of clinical outcome in fibromyalgia after a brief interdisciplinary fibromyalgia treatment program: single center experience.
To determine which patient characteristics are closely associated with a positive response to a brief interdisciplinary fibromyalgia treatment program (FTP). ⋯ Patients with younger age, more years of education (with college or graduate degree), higher baseline FIQ depression score, lower tender point count, and absent abuse history experience greater benefit from a brief FTP.
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To provide a cost-effectiveness analysis of dysphagia screening in the acute poststroke period with use of a videofluoroscopic swallowing study, a clinical bedside swallowing evaluation, or a combined approach. ⋯ A videofluoroscopic swallowing study is cost-effective and often saves costs compared with a clinical bedside swallowing evaluation alone or a combined approach. Research aimed at improving the understanding of the effectiveness of treatment for dysphagia in the prevention of aspiration pneumonia and resulting mortality would improve the model.