Physical therapy
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Back pain beliefs (BPBs) are an important modifiable factor related to disability associated with low back pain (LBP). Back pain beliefs have not been characterized in baby boomers, a group at risk for decreased activity levels and reduced productivity. ⋯ Poorer BPBs were associated with greater disability. Characterization of the relationships between BPBs and LBP-associated behaviors and disability in baby boomers can assist in developing interventions to improve activity participation and productivity, potentially reducing the burden of LBP in this age group.
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Clinical Trial
Safety of aerobic exercise in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: single-group clinical trial.
Exercise is recommended for people with diabetes, but little is known about exercise in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). ⋯ This study provides new support for supervised aerobic exercise in people with DPN. However, it is important for physical therapists to carefully prescribe initial exercise intensity and provide close monitoring and education to address the anticipated AEs as people who are sedentary and have DPN begin an exercise program.
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An upward trend in the number of hospital emergency department (ED) visits frequently results in ED overcrowding. The concept of the emergency department observation unit (EDOU) was introduced to allow patients to transfer out of the ED and remain under observation for up to 24 hours before making a decision regarding the appropriate disposition. No study has yet been completed to describe physical therapist practice in the EDOU. ⋯ This study provides information on common patient groups seen in the EDOU, physical therapist service utilization, and discharge disposition that may guide facilities in anticipated staffing needs associated with providing physical therapist services in the EDOU.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Efficacy of the McKenzie method in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a protocol of randomized placebo-controlled trial.
The McKenzie method is widely used as an active intervention in the treatment of patients with nonspecific low back pain. Although the McKenzie method has been compared with several other interventions, it is not yet known whether this method is superior to placebo in patients with chronic low back pain. ⋯ This will be the first trial to compare the McKenzie method with placebo therapy in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. The results of this study will contribute to better management of this population.
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Observational Study
Patient-reported outcomes associated with use of physical therapist services by older adults with a new visit for back pain.
Among older adults, it is not clear how different types or amounts of physical therapy may be associated with improvements in back pain and function. ⋯ Higher amounts of active physical therapy were most consistently related to the greatest improvements in pain intensity; however, as with all observational studies, the results must be interpreted with caution.