Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jul 2007
The sensitivity of the seated straight-leg raise test compared with the supine straight-leg raise test in patients presenting with magnetic resonance imaging evidence of lumbar nerve root compression.
To compare the sensitivity of 2 methods of performing the straight-leg raise (SLR) test, one in the supine position and the other in the seated position, in patients presenting with signs and symptoms consistent with lumbar radiculopathy. ⋯ The traditional SLR test performed in a supine position is more sensitive in reproducing leg pain than the seated SLR test in patients presenting with signs of and symptoms consistent with lumbar radiculopathy and MRI evidence of nerve root compression.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jul 2007
Evaluation and pharmacologic management of symptoms in cancer patients undergoing acute rehabilitation in a comprehensive cancer center.
To identify cancer patients' symptoms at admission and on discharge from an acute rehabilitation unit, to document the discharge medications used for symptom management, and to assess how symptoms affect lengths of stay (LOS). ⋯ Assessment of symptoms revealed significant symptom burdens in cancer patients undergoing rehabilitation. Pharmacologic interventions for management of symptoms were frequently needed.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jun 2007
Perceived and actual memory, concentration, and attention problems after whiplash-associated disorders (grades I and II): prevalence and predictors.
To evaluate neuropsychologic test performance of people with whiplash-associated disorders (WADs) and to compare the performance of those who report cognitive symptoms (CS+) with those who do not (CS-). ⋯ Reports of memory or concentration problems appear to be indicators of heightened somatic vigilance rather than indicators of actual neuropsychologic deficits. Our results suggest that it is reasonable for physicians to defer neuropsychologic testing or advanced imaging studies on WAD patients who report cognitive symptoms but no other indicators of brain injuries and instead to rely on reassurance and education about the normal aftermath of motor vehicle collisions.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jun 2007
Predicting walking at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation after a traumatic spinal cord injury.
To investigate how injury level and American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade at rehabilitation admission are related to walking at discharge after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). ⋯ Admission AIS grades give information about walking for treatment and discharge planning during acute inpatient rehabilitation, including the following: (1) patients admitted with AIS grade C injuries should not be considered functionally complete when predicting walking (FIM score > or = 3; no more than moderate assistance) at discharge, (2) level of injury does not affect walking for those with AIS grade C or D injuries, and (3) being 50 years or older has a significant negative affect on walking in subjects with AIS grade D but not AIS grade C injuries.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jun 2007
Social determinants of discharge destination for patients after stroke with low admission FIM instrument scores.
To investigate the effects of immigrant status (via country of birth), marital status, and area-based socioeconomic status (SES) on discharge destination after stroke for those with low admission scores on the FIM instrument. ⋯ Marital status is a significant determinant of discharge destination. Immigrant status and area-based SES were not significant predictors of discharge disposition.