Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jun 2015
Long-term survival after traumatic brain injury part I: external validity of prognostic models.
To develop prognostic models for long-term survival in adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to assess their external validity in 2 independent populations. ⋯ Long-term survival prognosis in TBI is related to age, sex, and severity of disability. When compared on the basis of these factors, the survival estimates derived from the TBIMS and CDDS cohorts are found to be similar. The close agreement between model predictions and actual mortality rates confirm the external validity of the prognostic models presented herein.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jun 2015
ReviewEffectiveness of postoperative physical therapy for upper-limb impairments after breast cancer treatment: a systematic review.
To systematically review the effectiveness of various postoperative physical therapy modalities and timing of physical therapy after treatment of breast cancer on pain and impaired range of motion (ROM) of the upper limb. ⋯ Multifactorial physical therapy (ie, stretching, exercises) and active exercises were effective to treat postoperative pain and impaired ROM after treatment for breast cancer. High-quality studies are necessary to determine the effectiveness of passive mobilization, stretching, and myofascial therapy as part of the multifactorial treatment. In addition, the appropriate timing and content of the exercise programs need to be further investigated.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jun 2015
Reporting on interventions: issues and guidelines for rehabilitation researchers.
Observers commonly note the poor reporting of research, including rehabilitation research. The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) checklist (supplemented by the CONSORT extension for nonpharmacologic interventions) has been published for improving the reporting of intervention research. ⋯ The Rehabilitation Treatment Taxonomy framework is recommended as a conceptual scheme to assist authors in thinking through the linkages between intervention ingredients, targets of treatment, and the mechanisms of action linking these 2 areas. Recommendations are made for prospective authors and journal editors who desire to see improved reporting of rehabilitation interventions.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jun 2015
Long-Term Survival After Traumatic Brain Injury Part II: Life Expectancy.
To compute the life expectancy of persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) based on validated prognostic models from 2 cohorts, to compare mortality and life expectancy of persons with TBI with those of the U.S. general population, and to investigate trends toward improved survival over the last 2 decades. ⋯ Life expectancy of persons with TBI is lower than that of the general population and depends on age, sex, and severity of disability. When compared, the survival outcomes in the TBIMS and CDDS cohorts are remarkably similar. Because there have been no marked trends in the last 20 years, the life expectancies presented in this article may remain valid in the future.