Journal of physiotherapy
-
Journal of physiotherapy · Jan 2011
CommentUsing titrated oxygen instead of high flow oxygen during an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) saves lives.
In patients with a suspected acute exacerbation of COPD, does titrated oxygen in the pre-hospital setting change mortality, length of hospital stay and blood gas measurements? ⋯ In patients with a suspected acute exacerbation of COPD, using titrated oxygen to maintain SpO(2) between 88% and 92% reduced the risk of mortality by 58%. Physiotherapists working in acute care should strive to ensure that these patients are not treated with high-flow oxygen.
-
Journal of physiotherapy · Jan 2011
Provocative wrist tests and MRI are of limited diagnostic value for suspected wrist ligament injuries: a cross-sectional study.
What is the diagnostic value of provocative wrist tests and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for suspected wrist ligament injuries? ⋯ Provocative wrist tests of SL ligament injuries and midcarpal ligament injuries are mildly useful for diagnosing wrist injuries. MRI diagnostic findings of SL ligament injuries, lunate cartilage damage, and TFCC are mildly to moderately useful. MRI slightly improves the diagnosis of TFCC injury and lunate cartilage damage compared to provocative tests alone.
-
Neuromuscular deficits have been linked with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. The use of ultrasound imaging(USI) to aid rehabilitation of neuromusculoskeletal disorders has been called rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI)and defined as ‘a procedure used by physical therapists to evaluate muscle and related soft tissue morphology and function during exercise and physical tasks. RUSI is used to assist in the application of therapeutic interventions,providing feedback to the patient and physical therapist (Teyhen 2006). Brightness mode (b-mode) USI is the most common form used by physical therapists and will be the focus of this summary. ⋯ In a recent systematic review Hebert et al (2009)concluded that the majority of high quality studies indicated that RUSI has good intrarater and inter-rater reliability (ICC> 0.90). The standard error of measurement was decreased by nearly 25% when using a mean of two measures and by 50% when using a mean of three measures (Koppenhaver et al 2009b). Novice raters, when properly trained, can assess the trunk muscles reliably (ICC 0.86 to 0.94) (Teyhen et al 2011). INFLUENCE OF SEX AND BODY MASS INDEX: Muscle thickness and cross sectional area is greater in males than females and is associated with increased body mass index (Teyhenet al 2007).
-
Journal of physiotherapy · Jan 2011
Lack of perceived benefit and inadequate transport influence uptake and completion of pulmonary rehabilitation in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a qualitative study.
What prevents people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from attending and completing pulmonary rehabilitation programs? ⋯ Many people with COPD who elect not to take up a referral to pulmonary rehabilitation perceive that they would not experience any health benefits from attendance. Difficulties with travel to the program and being unwell are barriers to both uptake and completion. Improving attendance at pulmonary rehabilitation requires consideration of how information regarding the proven benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation can be conveyed to eligible patients, along with flexible program models that facilitate access and accommodate co-morbid disease.
-
Journal of physiotherapy · Jan 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialA postoperative shoulder exercise program improves function and decreases pain following open thoracotomy: a randomised trial.
Does a postoperative physiotherapy exercise program incorporating shoulder exercises improve shoulder function, pain, range of motion, muscle strength, and health-related quality of life in patients undergoing elective pulmonary resection via open thoracotomy? ⋯ A physiotherapist-directed postoperative exercise program resulted in significant benefits in pain and shoulder function over usual care for patients following open thoracotomy.