Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Sep 2005
Comparative StudyComparison of clinical and neurophysiologic responses to intrathecal baclofen bolus administration in moderate-to-severe spasticity after acquired brain injury.
To compare clinical and neurophysiologic responses to intrathecal baclofen (ITB) bolus injection in subjects with spasticity after acquired brain injury. ⋯ H/M ratio is more sensitive than the Ashworth score or F-wave persistence in detecting a physiologic response to ITB bolus. H-reflex is useful for verification of ITB bolus administration, as an adjunct to clinical evaluation, particularly among patients with moderate spasticity at rest or with small changes in Ashworth score. However, potential application of the marked sensitivity of the H-reflex to other clinically challenging situations, such as early detection of possible ITB system malfunction, awaits further investigation.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Sep 2005
Comparative StudyPreliminary development of a clinical prediction rule for determining which patients with low back pain will respond to a stabilization exercise program.
To develop a clinical prediction rule to predict treatment response to a stabilization exercise program for patients with low back pain (LBP). ⋯ It appears that the response to a stabilization exercise program in patients with LBP can be predicted from variables collected from the clinical examination. The prediction rules could be used to determine whether patients with LBP are likely to benefit from stabilization exercises.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Sep 2005
Comparative StudyProcedure-based nonsurgical management of lumbar zygapophyseal joint cyst-induced radicular pain.
To evaluate the success of fluoroscopically guided, contrast-enhanced lumbar zygapophyseal joint (Z-joint) aspiration and steroid injection combined with transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) for the treatment of lumbar Z-joint cyst-induced radicular pain. ⋯ Fluoroscopically guided, contrast-enhanced spinal procedures as part of an aggressive nonsurgical treatment program are a safe and effective alternative to surgical intervention for lumbar Z-joint cyst-induced radicular pain.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Sep 2005
Comparative StudyOutcome after traumatic brain injury: effects of aging on recovery.
To identify differences in outcome after traumatic brain injury (TBI) compared with orthopedic injuries as a function of age. ⋯ The effect of age on outcome affects recovery from neurologic injuries and, to a lesser extent, orthopedic injuries. Outcome after TBI is best predicted by patients' age and estimates of level of function at discharge. Findings suggest that older patients and those with TBI have a greater likelihood of becoming physically and financially dependent on others. Rehabilitation efforts should focus on maximizing levels of independence to limit financial and emotional costs to patients and their families.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Sep 2005
Comparative StudyApplication of a volar static splint in poststroke spasticity of the upper limb.
To evaluate clinical and neurophysiologic effects of 3-month reflex inhibitory splinting (RIS) for poststroke upper-limb spasticity. ⋯ RIS may be used as an integrative treatment of poststroke upper-limb spasticity. It can be used comfortably at home, in selected patients without functional hand movements, and in cases of poor response or tolerance to antispastic drugs.