Journal of rehabilitation research and development
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Chronic whiplash is a debilitating condition characterized by increased sensitivity to painful stimuli, maladaptive illness beliefs, inappropriate attitudes, and movement dysfunctions. Previous work in people with chronic low back pain and chronic fatigue syndrome indicates that pain neurophysiology education is able to improve illness beliefs and attitudes as well as movement performance. This single-case study (A-B-C design) with six patients with chronic whiplash associated disorders (WAD) was aimed at examining whether education about the neurophysiology of pain is accompanied by changes in symptoms, daily functioning, pain beliefs, and behavior. ⋯ Results showed a significant decrease in kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia), the passive coping strategy of resting (Pain Coping Inventory), self-rated disability (Neck Disability Index), and photophobia (WAD Symptom List). At the same time, significantly increased pain pressure thresholds and improved pain-free movement performance (visual analog scale on Neck Extension Test and Brachial Plexus Provocation Test) were established. Although the current results need to be verified in a randomized, controlled trial, they suggest that education about the physiology of pain is able to increase pain thresholds and improve pain behavior and pain-free movement performance in patients with chronic WAD.
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Escalating prevalence estimates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among recently returning Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) veterans highlight the need for early detection and management for reducing chronic mental illness and disability. Because PTSD and chronic pain are common comorbid conditions among veterans, PTSD screening within specialty clinic settings addressing musculoskeletal pain may be of value. This retrospective study evaluated measures of diagnostic value for the PTSD Checklist (PCL) for a sample (n = 79) of OIF/OEF veterans seeking care for neck or back pain within a Department of Veterans Affairs specialty clinic. ⋯ A clinical psychologist experienced in diagnosing and managing PTSD confirmed the diagnosis of PTSD for 37 veterans through a review of clinical records. The prevalence of diagnosed PTSD was 46.8%, with an optimal PCL cutoff score of 44. These findings may guide future research and influence clinical practice regarding PTSD screening for recently returning veterans with chronic pain.
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Access to appropriate and timely healthcare is critical to the overall health and well-being of patients with chronic diseases. In this study, we used geographic information system (GIS) tools to map Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their access to MS specialty care. ⋯ We demonstrate the utility of using GIS tools in decision-making by providing three examples of how patients' access to care is affected when additional specialty clinics are added. The mapping technique used in this study provides a powerful and valuable tool for policy and planning personnel who are evaluating how to address underserved populations and areas within the VHA healthcare system.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Trendelenburg chest optimization prolongs spontaneous breathing trials in ventilator-dependent patients with low cervical spinal cord injury.
Chest optimization, an evidence-based protocol-guided multimodal chest physiotherapy consisting of body positioning, sputum mobilization, bronchodilation, and lung hyperinflation, may be routinely administered to ventilator-dependent patients with low cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) for improving pulmonary functional outcomes that facilitate weaning from mechanical ventilation. We undertook this study to determine whether position-specific chest optimization was associated with changes in spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) duration. Cardiac output (CO), alveolar minute volume (MValv), carbon dioxide elimination (VCO(2)), and static chest compliance (Cst) were measured during chest optimization; then MValv and rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) were measured during SBT. ⋯ Trendelenburg chest optimization (TCO) was associated with significant increases in SBT (p < 0.001), CO (p < 0.001), MValv (p < 0.003), VCO(2) (p < 0.001), and Cst (p < 0.002). SBT following TCO was associated with significant increases in MValv (p < 0.03) and RSBI (p < 0.002). These preliminary findings suggest the importance of proper recumbent body positioning during evidence-based, protocol-guided multimodal chest physiotherapy for ventilator-dependent patients with low CSCI.
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Comparative Study
Self-reported cognitive symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury are poorly associated with neuropsychological performance in OIF/OEF veterans.
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is not uncommon among Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) veterans, and many individuals within this group report lingering cognitive difficulties following their injury. For Department of Veterans Affairs clinicians, an accurate assessment of cognitive symptoms is important in providing appropriate clinical care. Although self-assessment is commonly employed to screen for difficulties in cognitive functioning, little is known about the accuracy of self-report in this population. ⋯ Self-reported cognitive functioning was not significantly correlated with objective cognitive abilities, suggesting that objective neuropsychological testing should be used when cognitive weakness is suspected. Perceived cognitive deficits were associated with depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder, illustrating the additional importance of adequate assessment and treatment of psychiatric symptoms. Clinicians tended to overestimate the association between self-report and test performance.