American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation
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The objective of this study was to evaluate pain frequency, severity, location, treatment, and relief in a population of adult patients with neuromuscular disorders (NMD). ⋯ Pain is a frequent symptom in adult patients with NMD and needs to be better characterized in this population. The use of painkillers and physical pain treatments did not seem to provide adequate relief for the patients studied here.
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Jul 2006
Randomized Controlled TrialOne-year follow-up of two exercise interventions for the management of patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a randomized controlled trial.
To assess the long-term effects on functional and mobility outcomes of two exercise interventions for the management of patients with ankylosing spondylitis. ⋯ An exercise regimen based on the Global Posture Reeducation method and focusing on specific strengthening and flexibility exercises of the shortened muscle chains offers promising short- and long-term results in the management of patients who have ankylosing spondylitis.
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Jul 2006
Assessment of long-term physical function in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients: comparison of the Charlson Comorbidity Index and the Functional Comorbidity Index.
It is often important to adjust for the effect of comorbid diseases on patient outcomes. This study compares the association between physical function in acute respiratory distress syndrome patients with scores on two comorbidity indices, the Charlson Comorbidity Index, designed to predict mortality, and the Functional Comorbidity Index (FCI), which was designed to predict physical function. ⋯ The FCI is a better method of measuring comorbidity with physical function as the outcome. This study illustrates the importance of choosing the most appropriate comorbidity index for the outcome of interest.
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · May 2006
Racial/ethnic differences in FIM scores and length of stay for underinsured patients undergoing stroke inpatient rehabilitation.
To explore racial/ethnic differences in FIM data from admission to discharge in underinsured patients undergoing inpatient stroke rehabilitation. ⋯ Differences in functional independence at admission to poststroke rehabilitation and the average daily improvement in function are related, in part, to patients' race/ethnicity. Differences in change in functional independence from admission to discharge (FIM gain) are not related to race/ethnicity once other factors, particularly admission FIM score, are taken into account. Future studies should identify reasons why Hispanics have lower admission FIM scores because demographic and stroke-related variables were not related to ethnicity yet have outcomes similar to blacks and whites at discharge.
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To document the relationship between sleep disturbance and chronic low back pain in patients referred to a physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic. ⋯ Chronic low back pain significantly affects quality of sleep. Sleep problems should be addressed as an integral part of the pain management plan.