Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Sep 1998
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialTranscutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: effect on peripheral nerve conduction, mechanical pain threshold, and tactile threshold in humans.
To investigate the effect of different transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) parameters on nerve conduction in the human superficial radial nerve and on peripheral mechanical pain threshold (MPT) and tactile threshold (TT), and to further the current knowledge of the neurophysiologic effects of TENS. ⋯ The findings from this study suggest that at least part of TENS-mediated hypoalgesia is a consequence of a direct peripheral effect of TENS, although a "central" effect may not be excluded.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jul 1998
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialRehabilitation of patients admitted to a respiratory intensive care unit.
Pulmonary rehabilitation has been shown to be of benefit to clinically stable patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study examined the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on some physiologic variables in COPD patients recovering from an episode of acute respiratory failure. ⋯ COPD patients who were admitted to a RICU in critical condition after an episode of acute respiratory failure and who, in most cases, required mechanical ventilation benefited from comprehensive early pulmonary rehabilitation, compared with patients who received standard medical therapy and progressive ambulation.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · May 1998
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialCombined exercise and motivation program: effect on the compliance and level of disability of patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial.
To assess the effect of a combined exercise and motivation program on the compliance and level of disability of patients with chronic and recurrent low back pain. ⋯ The combined exercise and motivation program increased the rate of attendance at scheduled physical therapy sessions, ie, short-term compliance, and reduced disability and pain levels by the 12-month follow-up. However, there was no difference between the motivation and control groups with regard to long-term exercise compliance.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jan 1998
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialPrevention of postoperative pulmonary complications through respiratory rehabilitation: a controlled clinical study.
To investigate the efficacy of respiratory rehabilitation in preventing postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) and to define which patients can benefit. ⋯ Respiratory rehabilitation protects against PPC and is more effective in moderate- and high-risk patients, but does not affect surgery-induced functional alterations.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jan 1997
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialCombined neuromuscular electrical stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for treatment of chronic back pain: a double-blind, repeated measures comparison.
A preliminary examination of NMES and combined NMES/TENS for the management of chronic back pain. ⋯ Combined NMES/TENS treatment consistently produced greater pain reduction and pain relief than placebo, TENS, or NMES. NMES alone, although less effective, did produce as much pain relief as TENS. Although preliminary, this pattern of results suggests that combined NMES/TENS may be a valuable adjunct in the management of chronic back pain. Further research investigating the effectiveness of both NMES and combined NMES/TENS seems warranted.