Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Apr 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialA randomized controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of noninvasive limb cover for chronic phantom limb pain among veteran amputees.
To assess the efficacy of a noninvasive limb cover for treating chronic phantom limb pain (PLP). ⋯ A true noninvasive limb cover did not significantly decrease PLP levels or the frequency of PLP episodes per week, overall bodily pain levels, or VR-12 physical and mental health component scores compared with a sham noninvasive limb cover in our veteran amputee sample.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Apr 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialFurther assessment to determine the additive effect of botulinum toxin type A on an upper extremity exercise program to enhance function among individuals with chronic stroke but extensor capability.
To determine whether dose-specified botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) and a standardized exercise protocol produce better upper extremity function than placebo and the same exercise program. ⋯ Among chronic stroke survivors, BTX-A did not impact function, movement, or tone more than a standardized exercise program.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Apr 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialPreoperative home-based physical therapy versus usual care to improve functional health of frail older adults scheduled for elective total hip arthroplasty: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
To investigate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a home-based intensive exercise program to improve physical health of frail elderly patients scheduled for elective total hip arthroplasty (THA). ⋯ Intensive preoperative training at home is feasible for frail elderly patients waiting for THA and produces relevant changes in functional health. A larger multicenter randomized controlled trial is in progress to investigate the (cost-)effectiveness of preoperative training.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Apr 2012
Predictors of walking performance and walking capacity in people with lumbar spinal stenosis, low back pain, and asymptomatic controls.
To examine predictors of community walking performance and walking capacity in people with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), compared with people with low back pain and asymptomatic control subjects. ⋯ BMI, pain, female sex, and age predict walking performance and capacity in people with LSS, those with low back pain, and asymptomatic control subjects. While pain was the strongest predictor of walking capacity, BMI was the strongest predictor of walking performance. Average pain, rather than leg pain, was predictive of walking performance and capacity. Obesity and pain are modifiable predictors of walking deficits that could be targets for future intervention studies aimed at increasing walking performance and capacity in both the low back pain and LSS populations.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Apr 2012
The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist as a screening measure for posttraumatic stress disorder in rehabilitation after burn injuries.
To determine the profile of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among outpatients with burn injuries referred to psychology in a rehabilitation hospital, and the utility of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) as a screening measure for PTSD. ⋯ There was a high prevalence of PTSD (clinical or subclinical) among outpatients with burns referred to psychology. Prospective screening of psychological symptoms, clinical assessment, and intervention is warranted, especially for patients with work-related burn injuries. Our results suggest that PCL-C is a useful screening measure for PTSD in patients with burns.