Disability and rehabilitation
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Immediate and short-term effects of phototherapy on pain, muscle activity, and joint mobility in women with temporomandibular disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the immediate and short-term effects of phototherapy on pain intensity, the pressure pain threshold (PPT), maximum vertical mandibular movement, and the electrical activity of the masseter and temporal muscles in women with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). ⋯ A single session of combined phototherapy was capable of reducing pain intensity in individuals patients with TMD. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02018770). Implications for Rehabilitation Phototherapy device combining two light sources (LED and laser), and different densities in the same device is a novelty in the rehabilitation market, and has proved to be a useful intervention for people with temporomandibular disorders. This mode of phototherapy is another option that assists in the rapid intervention in pain symptoms, promoting a considerable degree of comfort to the patient moments after its application.
-
Considering the perspectives of individuals with cognitive disability is important for their participation in their self-directed health care. The nominal group technique (NGT) has been identified as a method to gather opinions of people with cognitive disability; however, a synthesis of methodological considerations to undertake when employing the approach among people with cognitive disability is non-existent. ⋯ The use of the NGT to gain the health care perspectives of adults with cognitive disability is promising. Conducting nominal group techniques informed by the methodological considerations identified within this review can work towards ensuring that the health care perspectives of people with cognitive disability are considered. Implications for rehabilitation The emergent policy move towards self-directed health care for people with disability requires that the health care perspectives of people with disability are considered. Effective consultation and discussion techniques are essential to gain the health care perspectives of people with cognitive disability. After undertaking methodological considerations, the NGT can be an effective approach towards gaining the health care perspectives of people with cognitive disability.
-
To identify environmental factors associated with participation and gain an in-depth understanding of relationships between environmental factors and participation among people with spinal cord injury. ⋯ This study highlighted key environmental factors and their impacts on participation of people with spinal cord injury. The findings support previous research findings but also suggest that different factors may have different levels of impact on participation. Based on our findings, rehabilitation practitioners and policymakers can prioritize intervention plans to optimize the environment for people with spinal cord injury and improve their societal participation. Implications for rehabilitation Environmental factors are critical contributors to participation among people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and need to be addressed in rehabilitation programs. Factors with broader impacts on participation, such as societal attitudes and policies, should be treated as priorities in intervention plans aimed at improving participation among people with SCI. Rehabilitation practitioners should not only consider how the community supports people with SCI but also consider how rehabilitation programs change the community.
-
This narrative review will draw attention to the current limitations within the literature related to women following traumatic brain injury in order to stimulate discussion and inform future directions for research. ⋯ Without research, which focuses specifically on the experience of women and girls with traumatic brain injury there is a risk that clinical care, policy development and advocacy services will not effectively accommodate them. Implications for rehabilitation Exploring the gendered issues women may experience following traumatic brain injury will enhance clinicians understanding of the unique challenges they face. Such information has the potential to guide future directions for research, policy, and practice. Screening women for hormonal imbalances such as hypopituitarism following traumatic brain injury is recommended as this may assist clinicians in addressing the far reaching implications in regard to disability, quality of life and mood. The growing literature regarding the cumulative effect of repeat concussions following domestic violence and women's increased risk of sport-related concussion may assist clinicians in advocating for appropriate rehabilitation and community support services.