Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jan 2011
ReviewPsychosocial factors and adjustment to chronic pain in persons with physical disabilities: a systematic review.
To systematically review the research findings regarding the associations between psychosocial factors and adjustment to chronic pain in persons with physical disabilities. ⋯ The findings support the importance of psychosocial factors as significant predictors of pain and functioning in persons with physical disabilities. Clinical trials to test the efficacy of psychosocial treatments for pain and dysfunction are warranted, as are studies to determine whether psychosocial factors have a causal influence on pain and adjustment in these populations.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jan 2011
Driving with a chronic whiplash-associated disorder: a review of patients' perspectives.
To document troublesome driving tasks and any changes in driving behavior reported by people with chronic whiplash-associated disorders (WADs). ⋯ The chronic whiplash population appears to have unique troublesome driving tasks (eg, prolonged driving, checking blind spots) that are not readily detected in currently available driving ability/difficulty scales, suggesting that a new scale may be required for this population.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Dec 2010
Comparative Study Clinical TrialThe effect of neck pain on cervical kinematics, as assessed in a virtual environment.
To compare cervical kinematics during functional motion in patients with neck pain and in asymptomatic participants using a novel virtual reality assessment. ⋯ Velocity and smoothness of cervical motion were more restricted in patients with chronic neck pain than found previously. Unlike range of motion and other static measurements, these dynamic variables reflect functional cervical motion and therefore contribute to a better understanding of the impairment associated with neck pain. Because the ability to move quickly in response to external stimuli is a commonly occurring phenomenon, this deficit is highly relevant to clinical assessment and management.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Dec 2010
ReviewAssessment scales for disorders of consciousness: evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice and research.
To conduct a systematic review of behavioral assessment scales for disorders of consciousness (DOC); provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical use based on their content validity, reliability, diagnostic validity, and ability to predict functional outcomes; and provide research recommendations on DOC scale development and validation. ⋯ The CRS-R may be used to assess DOC with minor reservations, and the SMART, WNSSP, SSAM, WHIM, and DOCS may be used to assess DOC with moderate reservations. The CNC may be used to assess DOC with major reservations. The FOUR, INNS, Glasgow-Liege Coma Scale, Swedish Reaction Level Scale-1985, Loewenstein Communication Scale, and CLOCS are not recommended at this time for bedside behavioral assessment of DOC because of a lack of content validity, lack of standardization, and/or unproven reliability.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Nov 2010
ReviewCommon data elements for traumatic brain injury: recommendations from the interagency working group on demographics and clinical assessment.
Comparing results across studies in traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been difficult because of the variability in data coding, definitions, and collection procedures. The global aim of the Working Group on Demographics and Clinical Assessment was to develop recommendations on the coding of clinical and demographic variables for TBI studies applicable across the broad spectrum of TBI, and to classify these as core, supplemental, or emerging. The process was consensus driven, with input from experts over a broad range of disciplines. ⋯ Templates were produced to summarize coding formats, motivation of choices, and recommendations for procedures. Work is ongoing to include more international participation and to provide an electronic data entry format with pull-down menus and automated data checks. This proposed standardization will facilitate comparison of research findings across studies and encourage high-quality meta-analysis of individual patient data.