Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
-
Arch Phys Med Rehabil · May 2009
ReviewA systematic review of the management of orthostatic hypotension after spinal cord injury.
To review systematically the evidence for the management of orthostatic hypotension (OH) in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). ⋯ Although a wide array of physical and pharmacologic measures are recommended for the management of OH in the general population, very few have been evaluated for use in SCI. Further research needs to quantify the efficacy of treatment for OH in subjects with SCI, especially of the many other pharmacologic interventions that have been shown to be effective in non-SCI conditions.
-
Arch Phys Med Rehabil · May 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialA specific inpatient aquatic physiotherapy program improves strength after total hip or knee replacement surgery: a randomized controlled trial.
To evaluate the effect of inpatient aquatic physiotherapy in addition to usual ward physiotherapy on the recovery of strength, function, and gait speed after total hip or knee replacement surgery. ⋯ A specific inpatient aquatic physiotherapy program has a positive effect on early recovery of hip strength after joint replacement surgery. Further studies are required to confirm these findings. Our research indicates that aquatic physiotherapy can be safely considered in this early postoperative phase.
-
Arch Phys Med Rehabil · May 2009
Comparative StudyPatients with chronic disabling occupational musculoskeletal disorder failing to complete functional restoration: analysis of treatment-resistant personality characteristics.
To identify the risk factors for noncompletion of a functional restoration program for patients with chronic disabling occupational musculoskeletal disorders. ⋯ Although some risk factors associated with program noncompletion may be addressed in treatment, socially maladaptive personality disorders, long-neglected disability, and chronic opioid dependence are the major barriers to successful treatment completion. The patients identified with personality disorders may display resistance to treatment and may be difficult for the treatment staff to deal with. Early recognition of these treatment-resistant personality characteristics in the functional restoration process may assist the treatment team in developing more effective strategies to help this dysfunctional group.
-
Arch Phys Med Rehabil · May 2009
Self-report of missteps in older adults: a valid proxy of fall risk?
To evaluate the relationship between missteps and falls and to identify factors associated with missteps, potentially to generate a broader picture of fall risk. ⋯ The self-report of missteps may be a valuable tool in the research of falls and fall risk and may provide a way to identify patients at risk for falls before they fall.
-
Arch Phys Med Rehabil · May 2009
Comparative Study Clinical TrialLower thoracic spinal cord stimulation to restore cough in patients with spinal cord injury: results of a National Institutes of Health-Sponsored clinical trial. Part II: clinical outcomes.
To evaluate the clinical effects of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) to restore cough in subjects with cervical spinal cord injury. ⋯ Restoration of cough via SCS is safe and efficacious. This method improves life quality and has the potential to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with recurrent respiratory tract infections in this patient population.