Disability and rehabilitation
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Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating condition characterized by a number of symptoms which typically worsen following minimal exertion. Various strategies to manage the limited energy levels have been proposed. Of these, pacing has been consistently rated as one of the most helpful in surveys conducted by patient groups. This review is a response to the paucity of the information on pacing in the scientific literature. ⋯ Pacing offers practitioners an additional therapeutic option which is acceptable to the majority of patients and can reduce the severity of the exertion-related symptoms of ME/CFS.
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To identify questionnaires and scales that measure functioning and disability in low-back pain (LBP) and determine whether the measurements are comparable with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICFDH). ⋯ This study may help researchers and clinicians to choose the most appropriate questionnaires for a specific purpose as well as help compare studies that have used different questionnaires for low back pain assessment and provide valuable information on the content quality of these questionnaires for them. Furthermore, based on our results, more comprehensive and balanced instruments may be developed for more accurate assessment of functioning in LBP and perhaps other clinical conditions.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of elastic-band exercise on lower-extremity function among female patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.
To investigate a new style of resistance exercise using elastic bands and explore its therapeutic effect on the lower-extremity function of female patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. ⋯ A new style of resistance exercise using elastic bands with four color combinations (yellow-red, red-red, red-green, and green-green) over a period of 8 weeks can significantly improve lower-extremity function among females with mild-to-moderate knee OA.
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To explore the experience of post-stroke fatigue in community-dwelling stroke survivors with and without post-stroke mood disturbance within one year of stroke. ⋯ The results of this study suggest that in spite of reasonable objective physical recovery post-stroke, fatigue in community-dwelling stroke survivors may be disabling. The use of qualitative methodology was sensitive in identifying the factors that play a role in the experience of fatigue. The essential role of health professionals in this context is to provide support and education regarding fatigue and to promote participation after stroke in therapy programs. Routine practice for stroke services should include fatigue advice prior to discharge.
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To explore the differences in narrative between patients with persistent non-specific low back pain (PLBP) who benefited from a pain management programme, and those who did not benefit. ⋯ Our findings may help to operationalise the restoration of hope in patients with PLBP. Firstly, health care professionals need to identify and resolve any specific fears of movement. Secondly, patients need an acceptable explanatory model that fits their experience and personal narrative. Finally our study confirms the centrality of self concept to recovery.