Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Aug 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyQuantification of the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with functional magnetic resonance imaging: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study.
To evaluate the effects of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). ⋯ Our findings showed that TENS treatment significantly decreased the pain-related cortical activations caused by stimulation of the median nerve-innervated fingers up to 35 minutes after treatment.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Aug 2010
Review Meta AnalysisEvidence on the effectiveness of topical nitroglycerin in the treatment of tendinopathies: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
To evaluate evidence on the effectiveness of topical nitroglycerin (NTG) in treating tendinopathies. ⋯ In chronic tendinopathies, there is strong evidence for NTG in relieving pain during activities of daily living, and increasing tendon strength. Further studies are needed to explore the role of this promising intervention in all phases of tendinopathies.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Aug 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyPain physiology education improves pain beliefs in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome compared with pacing and self-management education: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.
To examine whether pain physiology education was capable of changing pain cognitions and pain thresholds in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and chronic widespread pain. ⋯ A 30-minute educational session on pain physiology imparts a better understanding of pain and brings about less rumination in the short term. Pain physiology education can be an important therapeutic modality in the approach of patients with CFS and chronic pain, given the clinical relevance of inappropriate pain cognitions.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Aug 2010
Validity of the fingertip-to-floor test and straight leg raising test in patients with acute and subacute low back pain: a comparison by sex and radicular pain.
To use self-reported disability (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire [RMDQ]) to assess the criterion validity of straight leg raising (SLR) test and flexion range of motion (ROM) (fingertip-to-floor test) before and after stratification by sex and presence/absence of radicular pain. ⋯ After stratification by sex and presence/absence of radicular pain, the present study supports a good validity of the fingertip-to-floor test for both men and women with radicular pain. The SLR test, however, was of less value as an indicator of self-reported disability after stratification, especially for men.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Aug 2010
A preliminary report on the efficacy of a dynamic jaw opening device (dynasplint trismus system) as part of the multimodal treatment of trismus in patients with head and neck cancer.
To examine the effectiveness of a dynamic jaw opening device as part of a multimodal treatment strategy for trismus in patients with head and neck cancer. ⋯ The DTS is a safe and effective component of a multimodal strategy for improving trismus associated with head and neck cancer and its treatment. Further investigation is needed to determine the relative efficacy of the treatment modalities available for trismus including physical therapy and other jaw stretching devices.