American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Oct 2013
Laryngeal response patterns to mechanical insufflation-exsufflation in healthy subjects.
Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) is used to assist cough in patients with neuromuscular diseases. Clinically, application may be challenging in some patient groups, possibly related to laryngeal dysfunction. Before launching a study in patients, the authors investigated laryngeal responses to MI-E in healthy individuals. ⋯ The larynx can be studied with transnasal laryngoscopy during MI-E in healthy individuals. Laryngeal responses to MI-E vary, and laryngoscopy may offer valuable clinical information when applying MI-E in patients with bulbar muscle weakness.
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Oct 2013
Case ReportsProximal median nerve entrapment caused by a distal biceps tendon cyst: an ultrasonographic diagnosis.
A 60-yr-old woman reported severe pain in the proximal part of her left forearm. The pain was also radiating toward the median nerve-innervated areas of the arm, especially during elbow flexion. ⋯ The patient's complaint improved 1 wk after the injection, and she started to flex her elbow without any pain. This case highlights the role of ultrasonography as a useful adjunctive tool not only to morphologically confirm a peripheral nerve entrapment but also to uncover the possible underlying etiology and to guide precisely during an intervention.
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Oct 2013
Responsiveness and minimal important changes for the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score in subjects undergoing rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the responsiveness and minimal important changes for the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) in subjects undergoing rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty. ⋯ The KOOS was sensitive in detecting clinical changes. The authors recommend taking the minimal important changes provided into account when assessing patient improvement or planning studies in this clinical context.