Physical therapy
-
Fear of movement is a risk factor for poor postoperative outcomes in patients following spine surgery. The purposes of this case series were: (1) to describe the effects of a cognitive-behavioral-based physical therapy (CBPT) intervention in patients with high fear of movement following lumbar spine surgery and (2) to assess the feasibility of physical therapists delivering cognitive-behavioral techniques over the telephone. ⋯ The findings suggest that physical therapists can feasibly implement cognitive-behavioral skills over the telephone and may positively affect outcomes after spine surgery. However, a randomized clinical trial is needed to confirm the results of this case series and the efficacy of the CBPT intervention. Clinical implications include broadening the availability of well-accepted cognitive-behavioral strategies by expanding implementation to physical therapists and through a telephone delivery model.
-
The Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) is a new balance assessment, but its psychometric properties have not been specifically tested in individuals with stroke. ⋯ The Mini-BESTest is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating balance in people with chronic stroke.
-
Patient satisfaction is an important measure for evaluating interventions in health care. No patient satisfaction questionnaire for physical therapy treatment has been validated to date for use in an Italian outpatient population. ⋯ The PTPSQ-I(15) showed good psychometric properties, and its use can be recommended with Italian-speaking outpatient populations.
-
The rotation stress test is recommended for assessing alar ligament integrity. Although some authors, in the literature regarding the rotation stress test, accept that rotation will occur during testing, estimates of range occurring with a normal test response vary between 20 and 40 degrees. None of these estimates are based on formal examination of the test. ⋯ The range of craniocervical rotation during rotation stress testing of intact alar ligaments should typically be 21 degrees or less. Rotation may be quantified using the method protocol outlined.
-
Long-term weakness and disability are common after an intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Usual care in the ICU prevents most patients from receiving preventative early mobilization. ⋯ The improvements in outcomes demonstrated the value and feasibility of a physical therapist-led early mobilization program.