Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Nov 2005
Multicenter StudyA clinical study of intrathecal baclofen using a programmable pump for intractable spasticity.
To determine the impact of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy on outcomes of functional independence, pain, subjective improvement, performance, and standard measures of spasticity. ⋯ ITB therapy using a programmable pump is clinically effective and well tolerated, despite a seemingly high level of adverse events, in patients with intractable spasticity of spinal or cerebral origin and may offer improvements in pain relief and function.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Nov 2005
Randomized Controlled TrialConservative correction of leg-length discrepancies of 10mm or less for the relief of chronic low back pain.
To study whether conservative correction in a leg-length discrepancy (LLD) of 10mm or less in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) can relieve pain. ⋯ Shoe inserts appear to reduce CLBP and functional disability in patients with LLDs of 10mm or less. Shoe inserts are simple, noninvasive, and inexpensive therapeutic means that can be added to the treatment of CLBP.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Nov 2005
Clinical characteristics and rehabilitation outcomes of patients with posterior cerebral artery stroke.
To describe the demographics, clinical profile, and functional outcomes in posterior cerebral artery (PCA) stroke and to identify factors associated with functional change during rehabilitation and discharge disposition. ⋯ Motor, visual, and cognitive impairments are common in PCA stroke, and good functional gains are achievable after comprehensive rehabilitation. Higher admission FIM scores, longer LOS, and younger and male patients were associated with better functional outcomes. Most patients were discharged home, particularly those with caregivers and those for whom 24-hour support was not required. Further research should aim at the development of functional outcome measures of greater breadth and sensitivity to visual and cognitive deficits and should compare PCA stroke outcomes with outcomes of strokes in other vascular territories.