American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Aug 2002
Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation: pressure, volume, and flow relationships and the adequacy of the manufacturer's guidelines.
Pulmonary complications of neuromuscular disease can be averted by increasing peak cough flows with the use of a forced exsufflation device. The purpose of this study was to examine the pressure, volume, and flow relationships for a range of settings generated by this device, and compare them with clinically efficacious values and the manufacturer's guidelines. ⋯ In-exsufflator performance was very consistent. Its clinical effectiveness can be explained by its generation of exsufflation flows >2.7 l/sec. Increasing insufflation times more than exsufflation times is more important for optimal function. Current manufacturer use guidelines may not yield optimal exsufflation flows.
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Aug 2002
Comparative StudyLack of utility of Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing in suspected carpal tunnel syndrome.
To investigate the value of Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM) testing in patients with electrodiagnostically confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome in a group of patients with symptoms compatible with carpal tunnel syndrome. ⋯ Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing was not shown to have utility in diagnosing electrodiagnostically confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome in our population of predominantly male veterans.