Physiotherapy theory and practice
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Physiother Theory Pract · Jul 2020
Multicenter Study Observational StudyEvidence-based management of patients with vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance at an Australian metropolitan health service: an observational study of clinical practice.
To determine whether patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with possible benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) are managed in accordance with best practice guidelines, and whether physiotherapists are involved in their care. ⋯ Adherence to best-practice guidelines for the management of BPPV in individuals presenting to the ED is low, and physiotherapists are seldom involved in their management.
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Physiother Theory Pract · Aug 2016
Multicenter StudyPhysiotherapists' perspectives on aerobic exercise early after stroke: A preliminary study.
Aerobic exercise is recognized as part of comprehensive stroke rehabilitation in best-practice and clinical guidelines, yet many individuals remain physically inactive during their hospitalization. The purpose of this study was to identify the perspectives of physiotherapists on aerobic exercise prescription and implementation at in-patient stroke rehabilitation centers with and without a structured aerobic exercise program. A survey was conducted at three Canadian rehabilitation centers to evaluate physiotherapist perceptions of individuals recovering from stroke, the practice environment, and their training on aerobic exercise in stroke. ⋯ Only physiotherapists at the center with a structured aerobic exercise program had received continuing education on aerobic exercise in stroke. The lack of resources at rehabilitation centers without a structured aerobic exercise program needs to be addressed. There remains a need for continuing education on aerobic training in stroke, specifically on assessment and prescription using a standardized approach.
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Physiother Theory Pract · Oct 2014
Multicenter StudyPhysical therapy clinic therapeutic ultrasound equipment as a source for bacterial contamination.
A procedure commonly used in physical therapy (PT) clinics is therapeutic ultrasound (US). This equipment and associated gel comes in contact with patient skin, potentially serving as a reservoir for bacteria. In this study, we sampled US heads, gel bottle tips and gel from nine outpatient PT clinics in Southeastern Tennessee. ⋯ Disinfecting US heads after initial swabbing resulted in removal of 90.9% of non-specific contamination. Gel storage at temperatures below 40 °C was found to encourage the growth of mesophilic bacteria. This study demonstrates the need for better cleaning and storage protocols for US heads and gel bottles in PT clinics.
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Physiother Theory Pract · Jul 2014
Multicenter Study Clinical TrialThe measurement properties of modified Rivermead mobility index and modified functional ambulation classification as outcome measures for Chinese stroke patients.
Valid, reliable, responsive and practical outcome measures are essential for treatment planning and outcome assessment. This study aimed to examine the measurement properties of Modified Rivermead Mobility Index (MRMI) and Modified Functional Ambulation Classification (MFAC) in Chinese stroke patients. The content validity, responsiveness, predictive validity, test-retest reliability, internal consistency and factor structure of the MRMI were examined. ⋯ Evidence of good content validity, high responsiveness, adequate predictive validity, excellent test-retest reliability with 1.3-point as minimum detectable change in 95% confidence interval, high internal consistency and unidimensionality was obtained for the MRMI. Good content validity, sufficient discriminative power and excellent inter-rater agreement were demonstrated for the MFAC. Both the MRMI and MFAC have good to excellent measurement properties and are recommended as routine outcome measures for Chinese stroke patients.
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Physiother Theory Pract · Apr 2011
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyA "Wii" bit of fun: the effects of adding Nintendo Wii(®) Bowling to a standard exercise regimen for residents of long-term care with upper extremity dysfunction.
The aims of this randomized, single-blind crossover trial were to investigate the effect of adding a simulated bowling video game via the Nintendo Wii(®) gaming system to the standard exercise regimen of cognitively intact residents of long-term care (LTC) with upper extremity dysfunction and to identify individual characteristics that might predict improvement. Residents (n=34) were recruited through two LTC facilities in southwestern Ontario and were randomized into a standard exercise (SG) or standard exercise plus Wii bowling (Wii) arm. After 4 weeks of intervention, the groups were crossed over to the opposite arm. ⋯ Effect sizes (Cohen's d) ranged from small (0.30 for bothersomeness) to large (1.77 for functional capacity). Responders, defined as those subjects who reported any degree of improvement following the Wii intervention, were less likely to complain of stiffness or shoulder symptoms and were more likely to complain of hand symptoms than non-responders. Limitations in interpretation and recommendations for future research are presented.