Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
-
Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Nov 2009
ReviewCauda equina syndrome: a literature review of its definition and clinical presentation.
To review the current evidence for the signs and symptoms of cauda equina syndrome (CES). ⋯ There are marked inconsistencies in the current evidence base surrounding the etiology and clinical presentation of CES, with 17 definitions identified. Subclassifications of the definition of CES are ambiguous and should be avoided. From reviewing 105 articles, a single definition of CES is proposed. For a diagnosis of CES, one or more of the following must be present: (1) bladder and/or bowel dysfunction, (2) reduced sensation in the saddle area, and (3) sexual dysfunction, with possible neurologic deficit in the lower limb (motor/sensory loss, reflex change).
-
Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Nov 2009
Life habits and prosthetic profile of persons with lower-limb amputation during rehabilitation and at 3-month follow-up.
To assess performance of life habits among persons with lower-limb amputation at admission, at discharge, and 3 months after rehabilitation discharge and describe their prosthetic profile at discharge and follow-up. ⋯ Among persons with lower-limb amputation, social role life habits appear to be more disturbed than those associated with activities of daily living. At discharge, prosthetic wear and locomotor capabilities with prosthesis were high and tended to improve on return to the community.
-
Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Nov 2009
The relationship of self-reported pain and functional impairment to gait mechanics in overweight and obese persons with knee osteoarthritis.
To examine the degree to which 2 commonly used measures of pain and disability, the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales (AIMS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), relate to objective gait measurements. ⋯ Taken together, the results suggest that the AIMS physical disability and WOMAC function scores are associated with some important measures of gait impairment.
-
Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Nov 2009
Novel applications of ultrasound technology to visualize and characterize myofascial trigger points and surrounding soft tissue.
To apply ultrasound (US) imaging techniques to better describe the characteristics of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) and the immediately adjacent soft tissue. ⋯ Preliminary findings show that, under the conditions of this investigation, US imaging techniques can be used to distinguish myofascial tissue containing MTrPs from normal myofascial tissue (lacking trigger points). US enables visualization and some characterization of MTrPs and adjacent soft tissue.
-
Rehabilitation is supported by research evidence that is limited in both number and quality. In order for more and better evidence to be published, researchers need to improve their reports of randomized controlled trials and other interventional research. Making it likely that these reports can contribute to the cumulation of scientific knowledge through their inclusion in systematic reviews imposes some special requirements. This article discusses the following steps that investigators should follow: trial registration; reliance on Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials guidelines in protocol development and report writing; use of recommendations by authoritative groups for the use of specific measures or data sets; adherence in writing to the style and other guidelines offered by the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors, and the target journal's instructions for authors; clear declarations of deviations from commonly accepted study methods; and use of informal peer review.