Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Feb 2012
Incidence of nontraumatic spinal cord injury: a Spanish cohort study (1972-2008).
To assess the incidence of nontraumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) in a determined catchment area in Spain, and to evaluate clinical presentations and trends over time. ⋯ Nontraumatic SCI shows a relatively even sex distribution and tends to affect older adults. Injuries are mainly attributable to age-related conditions and result mostly in incomplete lesions, which present with paraplegia. This study revealed that although incidence rates for nontraumatic SCI are similar to those previously reported for traumatic SCI in the same area and during the same period, demographic and clinical characteristics are different. These findings have important implications regarding the delivery of rehabilitation and support services to this group of patients, and suggest the need for health policies that involve improved care and prevention resources.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Feb 2012
Prevalence of anatomic impediments to interlaminar lumbar epidural steroid injection.
To determine the prevalence of anatomic impediments to interlaminar lumbar epidural steroid injection (LESI) in a community-based population. ⋯ Anatomic impediments to interlaminar LESI were common in this community-based population, particularly at the L5-S1 spinal level. Because of the high overall prevalence of anatomic impediments, and differences in prevalence by spinal level, knowledge of the distribution and frequency of these impediments may aid in aspects of decision-making for the interventional spine physician.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Feb 2012
Development of posttraumatic stress disorder after mild traumatic brain injury.
To examine the incidence of and factors associated with the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 6 months after civilian mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). ⋯ Rates of PTSD in civilian MTBI in this study are consistent with prior research. Results suggest that personality characteristics and attribution regarding the injury may impact the development of PTSD. Early interventions addressing risk factors may prevent or reduce the likelihood of developing PTSD.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Feb 2012
Short-term effect of superficial heat treatment on paraspinal muscle activity, stature recovery, and psychological factors in patients with chronic low back pain.
To test the hypothesis that patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) would have reduced paraspinal muscle activity when wearing a heat wrap and that this would be associated with increased stature recovery and short-term improvements in psychological factors. ⋯ Use of the heat wrap was associated with a decrease in muscle activity and a short-term improvement in certain aspects of well-being for the CLBP patients. The results confirm the link between the biomechanical and psychological outcome measures.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jan 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyA randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of water-based exercise to improve falls risk and physical function in older adults with lower-extremity osteoarthritis.
To investigate the efficacy of a water-based exercise program specifically targeting balance to reduce falls risk and improve measures of balance and physical function in older adults with osteoarthritis (OA). ⋯ Water-based exercise did not reduce falls risk in our sample compared with attending a computer skills training class. Our study is, to our knowledge, the first to compare water-based exercise in this population with a control group that attended a time-dose-equivalent seated community-based activity. Whether gaining computer skills and going out into the community twice weekly is adequate stimulus to reduce falls risk in people with OA requires further investigation.