Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Dec 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialFactors influencing the efficacy of virtual reality distraction analgesia during postburn physical therapy: preliminary results from 3 ongoing studies.
To assess the efficacy and side effects of immersive virtual reality (VR) distraction analgesia, as well as patient factors associated with VR analgesic efficacy in burn patients who require passive range-of-motion (ROM) physical therapy (PT). ⋯ When added to standard analgesic therapy, VR distraction provides a clinically meaningful degree of pain relief to burn patients undergoing passive ROM PT. Multiple patient factors do not appear to affect the analgesic effect. Immersive VR distraction is a safe and effective nonpharmacologic technique with which to provide adjunctive analgesia to facilitate patient participation in rehabilitation activities.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Dec 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effect of a series of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulations of the motor cortex on central pain after spinal cord injury.
To study the analgesic effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the motor cortex on central pain in patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). ⋯ Whereas the pain alleviation induced by a single rTMS treatment is probably due to placebo, patients with SCI may benefit from a series of rTMS treatments.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Dec 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of cessation of a structured and supervised exercise conditioning program on lean mass and muscle strength in severely burned children.
To determine whether the benefits of exercise by burned children are maintained 3 months after the exercise program is concluded. ⋯ Participation in an exercise program resulted in a greater improvement in LBM and muscle strength in the exercise group than in the no-exercise group. Three months after the exercise training ended, there were persistent mild-to-moderate increases in LBM and muscle strength. Absolute levels continued to be below previously reported nonburned, age-matched values, however, which underscores the need for continued exercise to improve LBM and muscle strength in severely burned children.
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Burn injuries result in significant physical and psychologic complications that require comprehensive rehabilitation treatment and coordination with the acute care burn team. This interdisciplinary rehabilitation treatment is focused on preventing long-term problems with scarring, contractures, and other problems that limit physical function. Adequate pain management and recognition of psychologic issues are important components of treatment after burn injuries. Burn injuries present significant barriers to community integration, but many people can successfully return to work and other activities.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Dec 2007
Mechanical alterations of rabbit Achilles' tendon after immobilization correlate with bone mineral density but not with magnetic resonance or ultrasound imaging.
To assess the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound (US) imaging, or bone mineral density (BMD) in predicting the mechanical properties of immobilized rabbit Achilles' tendons. ⋯ This study established weakened mechanical properties of immobilized Achilles' tendons. BMD of the calcaneus, but not MRI and US, was predictive of the mechanical alterations in immobilized Achilles' tendons. BMD may be a useful biomarker to monitor disease and recovery in Achilles' tendons.