Physical therapy
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It is hypothesized that increasing physical fitness and daily physical activity can lead to a reduction in fatigue. However, standard medical care following liver transplantation seldom includes rehabilitation that focuses on physical fitness and physical activity. ⋯ A rehabilitation program consisting of exercise training and physical activity counseling is well tolerated and seems promising in reducing fatigue and improving fitness among recipients of liver transplants.
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The effectiveness of Pilates exercise for treating people with chronic low back pain (CLBP) is yet to be established. Understanding how to identify people with CLBP who may benefit, or not benefit, from Pilates exercise and the benefits and risks of Pilates exercise will assist in trial design. ⋯ These findings contribute to a better understanding of the indications, contraindications, and precautions of Pilates exercise and the benefits and risks of Pilates exercise for people with CLBP. This information can assist in design of future trials examining the effectiveness of Pilates exercise.
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Pilates exercise is recommended for people with chronic low back pain (CLBP). In the literature, however, Pilates exercise is described and applied differently to treat people with CLBP. These differences in the definition and application of Pilates exercise make it difficult to evaluate its effectiveness. ⋯ These findings contribute to a better understanding of Pilates exercise and how it is utilized by physical therapists to treat people with CLBP. This information provides direction for future research into Pilates exercise, but findings need to be interpreted within the context of study limitations.
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Observational Study
Clinical pressure pain threshold testing in neck pain: comparing protocols, responsiveness, and association with psychological variables.
Quantitative sensory testing, including pressure pain threshold (PPT), is seeing increased use in clinical practice. In order to facilitate clinical utility, knowledge of the properties of the tool and interpretation of results are required. ⋯ The results suggest that PPT is adequately reliable and that 3 measurements should be taken to maximize measurement properties. The variance explained by the psychological variables was small but significant for 3 constructs related to catastrophizing, depression, and fear of movement. Clinical implications for application and interpretation of PPT are discussed.