Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Apr 2011
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyComparison of high-power pain threshold ultrasound therapy with local injection in the treatment of active myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle.
To compare the effects of high-power pain threshold ultrasound (HPPTUS) therapy and local anesthetic injection on pain and active cervical lateral bending in patients with active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) of the upper trapezius muscle. ⋯ We failed to show differences between the HPPTUS technique and TrP injection in the treatment of active MTrPs of the upper trapezius muscle. The HPPTUS technique can be used as an effective alternative to TrP injection in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Mar 2011
Future directions for spinal cord injury research: recent developments and model systems contributions.
The authors look forward and discuss future directions in spinal cord injury (SCI) from a perspective of biomedical, psychosocial and technologic research. This discussion is based both on recent developments from various fields of knowledge and, more specifically, on SCI Model Systems' research contributions to medical rehabilitation. ⋯ Recent progress in psychosocial research has contributed significantly to understanding of the many factors associated with disability during the life course, the importance of quality of life issues, and the value of activity, participation, and the environment in promoting successful rehabilitation outcomes following SCI. Technology and bioengineering advances are discussed in relation to access to high-quality technology; restoration and replacement of movement; and technology to enhance rehabilitation outcomes.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Mar 2011
The impact of sacral sensory sparing in motor complete spinal cord injury.
To determine the effect of sensory sparing in motor complete persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) on completion of rehabilitation on neurologic, functional, and social outcomes reported at 1 year. ⋯ Compared with persons with AIS grade A at discharge, persons with AIS grade B were less likely to require indwelling catheterization and be hospitalized and more likely to perceive better health, report greater functional independence (ie, self-care, sphincter control, mobility, locomotion), and report social participation in the first year postinjury. A greater portion of individuals with AIS grade B at discharge had improved neurologic recovery at 1 year postinjury than those with AIS grade A. Significant AIS group differences in 1-year outcomes related to physical health were maintained after excluding persons who improved to motor incomplete status for only bladder management and change in perceived health status. This recognition of differences between persons with motor complete injuries (AIS grade A vs B) has important ramifications for the field of SCI rehabilitation and research.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Feb 2011
ReviewSample size calculation in physical medicine and rehabilitation: a systematic review of reporting, characteristics, and results in randomized controlled trials.
To assess systematically the reporting of sample size calculation in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in 5 leading journals in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). ⋯ Although sample size calculation reporting has improved dramatically in 10 years and is comparable with other fields in medicine, it is still not adequate given current publication guidelines.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Feb 2011
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudySingle blind, prospective, randomized controlled trial comparing dorsal aluminum and custom thermoplastic splints to stack splint for acute mallet finger.
To compare Stack, dorsal, and custom splinting techniques in people with acute type 1a or b mallet finger. ⋯ As splints for mallet finger must be worn continuously for 6 to 8 weeks, and compliance correlates with favorable outcomes, treating practitioners must ensure the splint provided is robust enough for daily living requirements and does not cause complications, which are intolerable to the patient. In this study, no extensor lag difference was found between the 3 splint types, but custom-made thermoplastic splints were significantly less likely to result in treatment failure.