Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
-
Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Nov 2008
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyPerformance-based or self-report measures of physical function: which should be used in clinical trials of hip fracture patients?
To assess the validity, sensitivity to change, and responsiveness of 3 self-report and 4 performance-based measures of physical function: activity measure for postacute care (AM-PAC) Physical Mobility and Personal Care scales, the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey Physical Function scale (SF-36 PF), the Physical Functional Performance test (PFP-10), the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), a 4-meter gait speed, and the six-minute walk test (6MWT). ⋯ Findings reveal that the validity, sensitivity, and responsiveness of self-report measures of physical function are comparable to performance-based measures in a sample of patients followed after fracturing a hip. From a psychometric perspective, either type of functional measure would be suitable for use in clinical trials where improvement in function is an endpoint of interest. The selection of the most appropriate type of functional measure as the primary endpoint for a clinical trial will depend on other factors, such as the measure's feasibility or the strength of the association between the hypothesized mechanism of action of the study intervention and a functional outcome measure.
-
Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Nov 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyTransversus abdominis and obliquus internus activity during pilates exercises: measurement with ultrasound scanning.
To assess activity of transversus abdominis (TrA) and obliquus internus abdominis (OI) muscles during classical Pilates exercises performed correctly and incorrectly, and with or without equipment. ⋯ This study provides the first evidence that a selection of classic Pilates exercises activates TrA and OI. Use of the reformer exercise machine can result in greater TrA activation in some exercises. TrA and OI did not function independently during these exercises. Research into the training effects of Pilates or in patient populations can be undertaken using ultrasonography in submaximal exercises.
-
Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Nov 2008
Physical function and properties of quadriceps femoris muscle in men with knee osteoarthritis.
To examine the objective physical function of the lower extremities, to measure the properties of quadriceps femoris muscle (QFM), and to assess subjective disabilities in men with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to compare the results with those obtained from age- and sex-matched control subjects. ⋯ The patients with knee OA exhibited impaired physical function and muscle strength and QFM composition compared with healthy controls. The severity of radiographic knee OA clearly had adverse effects on functional ability at the later stages of the disease. The results highlight the effect of QFM strength on physical function as well as the importance of patient's subjective and objective physical function when deciding on knee OA treatment policy.
-
Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Nov 2008
Obesity influences transitional states of disability in older adults with knee pain.
This study employed relatively new statistical methods to understand how many states are needed to describe disability in older adults with knee pain, describe the relative probability of transitioning between states over time, and examine whether obesity influences the probability of transitioning between states. ⋯ These data provide a strong rationale for characterizing disability on a continuum and underscore the fluid nature of disability in older adults. As expected, lower-extremity function plays a key role in the disablement process; obesity is also particularly relevant to understanding severe states of disability.
-
Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Nov 2008
Comparative StudySources of sacroiliac region pain: insights gained from a study comparing standard intra-articular injection with a technique combining intra- and peri-articular injection.
To present evidence supporting the existence of extra-articular sources for sacroiliac region pain and to present evidence that intra-articular anesthetic blockade may underestimate the true prevalence of sacroiliac region pain. ⋯ Significant extra-articular sources of sacroiliac region pain exist. Intra-articular diagnostic blocks underestimate the prevalence of sacroiliac region pain.