Physical therapy
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Physical therapy on the wards after early physical activity and mobility in the intensive care unit.
Weakness and debilitation are common following critical illness. Studies that assess whether early physical activity initiated in the intensive care unit (ICU) continues after a patient is transferred to a ward are lacking. ⋯ Despite the majority of participants having a physical therapy consultation or a request for nursing assistance with ambulation at the time of transfer to the medical ward, physical activity levels decreased in over half of participants on the first full ward day. The data suggest a need for education of ward staff regarding ICU debilitation, enhanced communication among care providers, and focus on the importance of patient-centered outcomes during and following ICU treatment.
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This report provides a brief overview of some relevant ongoing research on critical care and how research priorities are determined by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Long-term and patient-centered outcomes have become more prominent research questions for clinical studies in patients who are critically ill. Rehabilitation research would be appropriate in this context, and funding is most likely received through investigator-initiated R01 applications. National Institutes of Health program staff are available for discussion and advice and encourage contact from extramural investigators.
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Review Meta Analysis
Extended exercise rehabilitation after hip fracture improves patients' physical function: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Although the principal goal of hip fracture management is a return to the pre-event functional level, most survivors fail to regain their former levels of autonomy. One of the most effective strategies to mitigate the fracture's consequences is therapeutic exercise. ⋯ To the authors' knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis to provide evidence that an extended exercise rehabilitation program for patients with hip fractures has a significant impact on various functional abilities. The focus of future research should go beyond just effectiveness and study the cost-effectiveness of extended programs.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy for supraspinatus calcifying tendinitis: a randomized clinical trial comparing two different energy levels.
Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (ESWT) represents a valid intervention in the treatment of people with supraspinatus calcifying tendinitis (SCT), but there is limited evidence for the useful range of ESWT doses. ⋯ In ESWT for SCT, an energy level of 0.20 mJ/mm² appears to be more effective than an energy level of 0.10 mJ/mm² in pain relief and functional improvement.