American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Dec 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyKambin triangle versus the supraneural approach for the treatment of lumbar radicular pain.
The aim of this study was to conduct a randomized, blinded, prospective outcome study on the short-term benefits of the Kambin triangle vs. the supraneural approach for the treatment of lumbar radicular pain. ⋯ The Kambin triangle approach can be used instead of the supraneural approach in cases where it is difficult to place the needle at the anterior epidural space.
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Dec 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on fibromyalgia: a randomized sham-controlled trial with 1-mo follow-up.
The aim of this study was to determine whether low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex or high-frequency rTMS applied to the left motor cortex could influence pain level or mood status in patients with intractable fibromyalgia. ⋯ Low-frequency rTMS may play a role in the long-term treatment of fibromyalgia. Notably, the findings of this study are the first to show that the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex or the left motor cortex rTMS could have an antidepressive and pain-modulating effect in patients with fibromyalgia.
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This focused review summarizes and critically evaluates clinical trial evidence for the effectiveness of Tai Chi as a supportive therapy for stroke rehabilitation. All prospective, controlled clinical trials published in English or Chinese and involving the use of Tai Chi by survivors of stroke were searched in eight electronic databases. Information from the included studies was extracted and synthesized. ⋯ Improvements in quality-of-life and mental health were reported in three trials. This focused review suggests that Tai Chi exercise might be beneficial with respect to balance, quality-of-life, and mental health in survivors of stroke. More rigorous randomized controlled trials are required to determine whether Tai Chi is effective in stroke rehabilitation.
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Dec 2012
The contribution of previous episodes of pain, pain intensity, physical impairment, and pain-related fear to disability in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain.
The influence of physical and psychosocial variables on self-rated disability in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain has not been fully determined. This study examined the relationship of pain, physical impairment, and pain-related fear to disability in individuals with chronic mechanical neck pain. ⋯ This study found that previous episodes of neck pain, pain intensity, pain-related fear, and cervical extension range of motion explained 37.2% of the variability of self-report disability. Future longitudinal studies will help to determine the clinical implications of these findings.