Physical therapy
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The methodological quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is commonly evaluated in order to assess the risk of biased estimates of treatment effects. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify scales used to evaluate the methodological quality of RCTs in health care research and summarize the content, construction, development, and psychometric properties of these scales. ⋯ Many scales are used to evaluate the methodological quality of RCTs, but most of these scales have not been adequately developed and have not been adequately tested for validity and reliability. A valid and reliable scale for the assessment of the methodological quality of physical therapy trials needs to be developed.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of education on return-to-work status for people with fear-avoidance beliefs and acute low back pain.
People with acute low back injury and fear-avoidance beliefs are at risk for remaining off work for an extended period of time. However, the effectiveness of intervention strategies for improving return-to-work status in people with acute low back pain and fear-avoidance beliefs has not been reported. The objective of this study was to determine whether education and counseling on pain management, physical activity, and exercise could significantly decrease the number of days that people with low back injury are off work. ⋯ Education and counseling regarding pain management, physical activity, and exercise can reduce the number of days off work in people with fear-avoidance beliefs and acute low back pain.
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The majority of older people who survive a hip fracture have residual mobility disabilities. Any attempt to systematically reduce mobility disabilities after hip fracture, however, requires knowledge of the adequacy of current management practices. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to begin to understand the nature of physical therapy home care management by describing "usual care" for people after hip fracture. ⋯ This study provides a detailed description of the physical therapy interventions provided in the home care setting for patients after hip fracture. The sample size and national representation increase our confidence that this description accurately depicts physical therapist practice.