American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation
-
Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Feb 2001
Outcomes of cardiopulmonary arrest in an acute rehabilitation setting.
Fifty consecutive cases of cardiopulmonary arrest with administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during a 6-yr period at a freestanding academic acute rehabilitation hospital were identified. ⋯ Outcomes after CPR in patients undergoing acute rehabilitation in one setting were not significantly different from those reported for patients in other healthcare settings. These data may be used by healthcare professionals to enhance discussions concerning advance healthcare planning (including resuscitation plans) with patients and families. Larger studies are needed to clarify the prognostic role of prior functional status in predicting CPR outcomes, particularly in the context of various diagnostic categories and age groups.
-
Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Jan 2001
Resistance training and gait function in patients with Parkinson's disease.
To determine whether patients with Parkinson's disease who are enrolled in a resistance training program can gain strength similar to that of normal control subjects and whether these gains in strength would improve their gait function. ⋯ Patients with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease can obtain increases in performance or strength similar to that of normal adults of the same age in a resistance training program. Resistance training can produce functional improvements in gait and may, therefore, be useful as part of a physical rehabilitation and/or health maintenance program for patients with Parkinson's disease.
-
To obtain information from continuous intrathecal baclofen infusion (CIBI) pump centers regarding specific clinical practices and experiences. ⋯ CIBI is an effective treatment for severe spasticity, with dramatic quality-of-life improvements and a small number of significant complications. Long-term benefits and complications need to be monitored in this complex population.
-
Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Sep 2000
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialContinuous passive motion after total knee arthroplasty: a prospective study.
Continuous passive motion (CPM) has been shown to increase significantly the amount of knee flexion for patients with total knee arthroplasty in the acute care hospital. Whether there is any additional benefit to using CPM for these patients who are transferred to a rehabilitation hospital is not known. There have been no prospective, randomized, controlled studies in this area. ⋯ Although power analysis indicated the need for differences in results for 32 patients per group to achieve significance, the difference between the two groups suggested neither statistical nor clinical significance. We concluded that the use of CPM in the rehabilitation hospital is likely of no added benefit to patients admitted after single total-knee replacement.
-
Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Sep 2000
Review Case ReportsOne step forward and two steps back: the dangers of walking backwards in therapy.
Walking backwards has been used in therapy to improve balance and gait. There has not been any systematic investigation into the effectiveness or safety of walking backwards. We present two cases in which walking backwards during physical therapy resulted in a fall and considerable morbidity. The only clear indication for treatment by walking backwards should be a task-specific need to do so, and only then if adequate safety can be assured.