Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Mar 2003
Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialAn assessment of gait and balance deficits after traumatic brain injury.
To assess the sensations of instability that many patients report after traumatic brain injury (TBI). ⋯ Patients' complaints of instability after TBI may have objective correlates and may be rectifiable. Balance and gait testing in these patients is warranted.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Mar 2003
Clinical TrialChanges in movement characteristics of the spastic upper extremity after botulinum toxin injection.
To examine the longitudinal effects of botulinum toxin injection on movement characteristics of the spastic upper extremity in children by using motor control testing (MCT) techniques and standard clinical measures. ⋯ Although botulinum toxin reduced tone and increased ROM of the spastic upper extremity, the time course and degree of motor improvement appears to depend on the complexity of the task. Future research should focus on the value of adjunct therapy, such as task-specific training, in addition to botulinum toxin treatments to facilitate functional improvement of the spastic upper extremity.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Mar 2003
Clinical TrialA single-blind investigation into the hypoalgesic effects of different swing patterns of interferential currents on cold-induced pain in healthy volunteers.
To compare the analgesic effects of differing swing patterns of interferential current (IFC) on cold-induced pain. ⋯ There were no differences in the hypoalgesic effects of different swing patterns.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Mar 2003
Case ReportsThe importance of the complete history in the discovery of a potential suicide: a case report.
Suicidal ideation and completed suicides are an increasing problem among the elderly. In 1992, the elderly accounted for 13% of the population but represented 20% of all completed suicides. There are recognized risk factors for suicides in elderly patients, which include depression, deteriorating physical health, and loss of independent functioning. ⋯ It incorporates not only the physiatrist's evaluation but those of other disciplines as well, for example, physical and occupational therapy. The physiatric history is a sensitive tool for assessing the state of being of the whole patient. We describe a case in which a careful and complete physiatric history and physical examination revealed an elderly patient with suicidal ideation and a plan.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Feb 2003
Multicenter StudyIncidence, risk factors, and outcomes of fecal incontinence after acute brain injury: findings from the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems national database.
To investigate the incidence, risk factors, and outcome in patients with fecal incontinence after acute brain injury. ⋯ Fecal incontinence is a significant problem after brain injury. Certain factors may increase its likelihood. Further studies evaluating mechanisms of fecal incontinence and treatment or control interventions would be useful.