American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation
-
Am J Phys Med Rehabil · May 2004
Clinical TrialMinimally supervised home rehabilitation improves exercise capacity and health status in patients with COPD.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects on exercise tolerance and quality of life of an outpatient rehabilitation program implemented at home without a physiotherapist's direct supervision in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease. ⋯ We conclude that an inexpensive home rehabilitation program can improve quality of life and exercise tolerance in patients with moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Furthermore, our results indicate that exercise tolerance evaluated by cycloergometry and quality of life evaluated by the mean of the Health Status Index questionnaire are independent outcome measures of pulmonary rehabilitation.
-
Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Apr 2004
Case ReportsTibial nerve block with anesthetics resulting in achilles tendon avulsion.
Diagnostic tibial nerve block with anesthetics is a common and safe procedure for the management of the spastic equinovarus foot. Side effects have been rarely reported. We present the case of a hemiplegic patient with a spastic equinovarus foot who presented with an avulsion fracture of the calcaneum at the insertion of the Achilles tendon consecutive to a diagnostic tibial nerve block with anesthetic agents. Although rare, such a complication should be considered when the Achilles tendon is shortened and when the patient is suspected of bone osteoporosis or dystrophy.
-
Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Mar 2004
Health-related quality of life and disability in survivors of multiple trauma one year after intensive care unit discharge.
To evaluate health-related quality of life and disability in multiple-trauma patients requiring intensive care unit management. ⋯ The majority of survivors of major trauma exhibit considerable levels of disability and impairment in health-related quality of life. Global injury severity score and degree of brain trauma determine functional limitations. This information may help in organizing long-term rehabilitation of multiple-trauma patients.