Disability and rehabilitation
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To evaluate the conformity of the Arm Activity measure (ArmA) passive function sub-scale to the Rasch model. ⋯ The ArmA passive function sub-scale was shown in this evaluation to conform to the Rasch model once disordered thresholds had been addressed. Using the logit scores produced by the Rasch model it was possible to convert this back to the original scale range. Implications for Rehabilitation The ArmA passive function sub-scale was shown, in this evaluation, to conform to the Rasch model once disordered thresholds had been addressed and therefore to be a clinically applicable and potentially useful hierarchical measure. Using Rasch logit scores it has be possible to convert back to the original ordinal scale range and provide an indication of real change to enable evaluation of clinical outcome of importance to patients and clinicians.
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The incidence of stroke is of global concern, and the rates of recurrence are high. Many risk factors are related to lifestyle behaviours and, as such, are amenable to change. Implementation of effective secondary prevention interventions is essential; however, little is known about influences on participation and adherence. This review and meta-aggregation aimed to improve understanding of stroke survivor and family member perspectives of secondary prevention interventions. ⋯ Health professionals should consider implementing group-based secondary prevention interventions. The content of group-based secondary prevention interventions should be person-centred, i.e. meaningful and relevant to the individual. Stroke survivors and family members are more likely to comply with advice and information provided by expert and experienced health professionals.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The impact of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) on upper limb function in chronic stroke: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.
This pilot double-blind sham-controlled randomized trial aimed to determine if the addition of anodal tDCS on the affected hemisphere or cathodal tDCS on unaffected hemisphere to modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) would be superior to constraints therapy alone in improving upper limb function in chronic stroke patients. ⋯ The association of mCIMT with brain stimulation improves clinical gains in rehabilitation after stroke. The improvement in motor recovery (assessed by Fugl-Meyer scale) was only observed after anodal tDCS. The modulation of damaged hemisphere demonstrated greater improvements than the modulation of unaffected hemispheres.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Basic body awareness therapy or exercise therapy for the treatment of chronic whiplash associated disorders: a randomized comparative clinical trial.
Chronic whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) incur both costs and suffering. Treatments that can relieve chronic WAD are therefore needed. Exercise therapy (ET) has been shown to provide pain relief. Another often used treatment for chronic pain in Scandinavia is basic body awareness therapy (BAT). We compared the effectiveness of 10 weeks of twice-weekly, 90-min sessions of either ET or BAT in a randomized comparative trial. ⋯ The present trial indicates that BAT led to greater improvements than ET for the patients with chronic WAD. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILATION: Chronic whiplash-associated disorders are disabling and incur great costs to society often through inability to work. Exercise therapy (ET) may alleviate symptoms of chronic WAD. Basic body awareness therapy (BAT) is often a component of multimodal pain rehabilitation programs. In this randomized comparative trial, BAT increased physical functioning and led to greater pain reduction and social functioning 3 months after the end of treatment.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Combined transcranial direct current stimulation and home-based occupational therapy for upper limb motor impairment following intracerebral hemorrhage: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.
To investigate the combined effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and home-based occupational therapy on activities of daily living (ADL) and grip strength, in patients with upper limb motor impairment following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). ⋯ Five consecutive days of tDCS combined with occupational therapy provided greater improvements in grip strength compared with occupational therapy alone. tDCS is well tolerated by patients and can easily be applied for home-based rehabilitation.