Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jul 1987
Comparative StudyThe Pain Disability Index: psychometric and validity data.
The Pain Disability Index (PDI) is a brief instrument that was developed to assess pain-related disability, providing information that complements assessment of physical impairment. This paper presents the results of two studies concerning the psychometric properties and the validity of the PDI. In study I, PDI scores of 108 patients appeared internally consistent (alpha = .86), although a factor analysis revealed two factors. ⋯ Study II found that the PDI scores of 37 former inpatients were significantly higher than 36 former outpatients who responded to a follow-up questionnaire. These findings support the validity of the PDI. Several methodologic issues are discussed, and suggestions are made for future uses of the instrument.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · May 1987
Case ReportsObstructive emphysema due to mucus plugging in quadriplegia.
A quadriplegic patient with obstructive emphysema caused by mucus in the bronchi of the hyperinflated lung, demonstrated by chest radiograph and corrected by bronchoscopic aspiration of secretions from the hyperexpanded side, is reported. Subsequently, this phenomenon recurred in the opposite lung. This case is of particular interest, as it is the only documented report of obstructive emphysema due to mucus plugging in an adult with grossly normal airways. This case contrasts markedly with the usual picture of atelectasis and lobar or segmental collapse observed with large airway obstruction by mucus in this setting.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Apr 1987
Ergometer modification for combined arm-leg use by lower extremity amputees in cardiovascular testing and training.
A commercial arm-leg ergometer was adapted so that combined bilateral arm-single leg work could be performed by unilateral lower extremity amputees from their own wheelchairs. Three middle-aged to elderly unilateral amputees performed progressive discontinuous bilateral arm crank and combined bilateral arm-single leg cycle exercise tests on the same air-braked ergometer adapted for either form of ergometry. ⋯ Combined arm-leg ergometry as described herein may activate the largest available muscle mass and elicit the greatest oxygen uptake during exercise testing. In addition this exercise modality may simultaneously condition the arms and leg, providing functional gains in both wheelchair propulsion and prosthetic ambulation.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Mar 1987
Case ReportsAtypical electromyographic findings in pronator teres syndrome.
The electrodiagnostic differentiation between pronator teres syndrome and entrapment of the median nerve at the ligament of Struthers is generally thought to be aided by the absence of electromyographic (EMG) findings in the pronator teres muscle in pronator syndrome. This report describes a patient with surgically documented pronator teres syndrome who had EMG changes in the m. pronator teres, which was apparently innervated as or after the median nerve passed through. It is concluded that EMG abnormalities in the m. pronator teres should not alone be used to distinguish pronator teres syndrome from entrapment of the median nerve at the ligament of Struthers.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jan 1987
Lower extremity amputees with peripheral vascular disease: graded exercise testing and results of prosthetic training.
Thirty-nine subjects, mean age 72 (range 52 to 89), with a leg amputation because of peripheral vascular disease performed graded exercise testing at the start of their prosthetic training program. Their walking performance at the end of the program was assessed and compared with the test findings. They had a history and rest electrocardiogram (ECG) examination which revealed cardiac problems in 75% of the patients. ⋯ In 34 patients (87%) the prosthetic training was successful. Fourteen patients needed a walking frame and twenty could walk without a walking frame. The probability of achieving walking without a walking frame was 70% in patients with peak workload above 45W and 30% in those with peak workload lower than 45W.