Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Aug 2016
Randomized Controlled TrialSwimming Improves Pain and Functional Capacity of Patients With Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
To evaluate the effect of swimming on pain, functional capacity, aerobic capacity, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). ⋯ Swimming, like walking, is an effective method for reducing pain and improving both functional capacity and quality of life in patients with FM.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Aug 2016
Observational StudyThalamic Functional Connectivity in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Longitudinal Associations With Patient-Reported Outcomes and Neuropsychological Tests.
(1) To examine differences in patient-reported outcomes, neuropsychological tests, and thalamic functional connectivity (FC) between patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and individuals without mTBI and (2) to determine longitudinal associations between changes in these measures. ⋯ Findings suggest that alterations in thalamic FC occur after mTBI, and improvements in pain and postconcussive symptoms are correlated with normalization of thalamic FC over time.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jun 2016
Upper Extremity Assessment in Tetraplegia: The Importance of Differentiating Between Upper and Lower Motor Neuron Paralysis.
Scientific advances are increasing the options for improved upper limb function in people with cervical level spinal cord injury (SCI). Some of these interventions rely on identifying an aspect of paralysis that is not uniformly assessed in SCI: the integrity of the lower motor neuron (LMN). SCI can damage both the upper motor neuron and LMN causing muscle paralysis. ⋯ The LMN is easily evaluated using surface electrical stimulation and does not add significant time to the standard clinical assessment of SCI. This noninvasive evaluation yields information that contributes to the development of a lifetime upper extremity care plan for maximizing function and quality of life. Given the relative simplicity of this assessment and the far-reaching implications for treatment and function, we propose that this assessment should be adopted as standard practice for acute cervical SCI.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jun 2016
Randomized Controlled TrialAdditional Effects of a Physical Therapy Protocol on Headache Frequency, Pressure Pain Threshold, and Improvement Perception in Patients With Migraine and Associated Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
To evaluate the additional effect provided by physical therapy in migraine treatment. ⋯ We cannot assume that physical therapy promotes additional improvement in migraine treatment; however, it can increase the cervical pressure pain threshold, anticipate clinically relevant changes, and enhance patient satisfaction.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jun 2016
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of Leg-Press Training With Moderate Vibration on Muscle Strength, Pain, and Function After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
To examine the effects of a time-saving leg-press training program with moderate vibration on strength parameters, pain, and functional outcomes of patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in comparison with functional physiotherapy. ⋯ Isokinetic leg-press training with moderate vibration and functional physiotherapy are both effective in regaining muscle strength and function after TKA; however, isokinetic leg-press training is considerably less time consuming.