Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Oct 2006
Comparative StudyThe effect of foot and ankle prosthetic components on braking and propulsive impulses during transtibial amputee gait.
To assess the influence of energy storage and return (ESAR) prosthetic feet and multi-axis ankles on ground reaction forces and loading asymmetry between lower limbs in transtibial amputees. ⋯ These results suggest that amputee gait may improve with the prescription of multi-axis ankles that allow for greater propulsive impulses by the residual leg, which improve the loading symmetry between legs.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Sep 2006
Multicenter StudyMuscle force and gait performance: relationships after spinal cord injury.
To relate locomotor function improvement, within the first 6 months after spinal cord injury (SCI), to an increase in Lower Extremity Motor Score (LEMS) and to assess the extent to which the level of lesion influenced the outcome of ambulatory capacity. ⋯ An improvement in locomotor function does not always reflect an increase in LEMS, and LEMS improvement is not necessarily associated with improved locomotor function. LEMS and ambulatory capacity are differently associated in patients with tetra- and paraplegia. Functional tests seem to complement clinical assessment.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Sep 2006
Comparative StudyAre lumbar repositioning errors larger among patients with chronic low back pain compared with asymptomatic subjects?
To resolve the debate over whether lumbar repositioning acuity is reduced in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) by using a study design and methodology to minimize the effects of potential confounders. ⋯ We suggest that sensorimotor dysfunctions in CLBP should be evaluated with methods other than repositioning tests in order to generate data relevant to the development of rational diagnostic methods and rehabilitation programs.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Sep 2006
Reduced sympathetic skin response in the isolated spinal cord of subjects with spinal cord injury.
To compare the excitability of the sympathetic skin response (SSR) between subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI) and healthy controls with intact supraspinal connection. ⋯ The excitability of SSR was reduced in an isolated spinal cord. This suggests that excitability of sympathetic sudomotor response in subjects with an isolated spinal cord is lower than in healthy controls.
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To examine risk factors for suicidal ideation among people with multiple sclerosis (MS). ⋯ Suicidal ideation is common among VHA patients with MS, and depression severity is the best risk marker. Brief screening for depression in MS should include the assessment of suicidal ideation.