Physiotherapy research international : the journal for researchers and clinicians in physical therapy
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Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) during exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been shown to increase exercise time and intensity. Feasibly then, NIV during pulmonary rehabilitation will enhance post-rehabilitation training effects. The purpose of this review is to systematically consider and critique the literature concerning the effects of NIV, when used during an exercise programme in COPD patients on exercise tolerance. ⋯ This review would suggest that NIV may allow an increased exercise intensity and duration during pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with moderate to very severe COPD, (according to the American Thoracic Society guidelines), resulting in a greater training effect and a prolonged exercise capacity. Further research looking at long-term follow-up is recommended.
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Measurements of cervical range of motion (CROM) have been extensively reported in the past decade employing simple (goniometers) as well as sophisticated (electro-, magneto- and ultrasonography-based) systems. The recent introduction of the simple, user-friendly and relatively cheap digital inclinometer (DI) has opened a potentially new venue for measurement of this segment's motion. The purpose of the present study was to assess intra-tester reproducibility of DI-based findings as well as its validity in comparison to the ultrasonography-based Zebris CMS 70P (Zebris Medizintechnik Gmbh, Isny, Germany) for measuring CROM in normal subjects. ⋯ DI-based CROM measurements are reproducible and valid for recording sagittal and frontal plane motions in healthy subjects. The higher range in rotations, relative to the Zebris-based findings, is most probably attributable to the test position. Being relatively cheap, portable and convenient for tester and subject alike, the DI seems to be an effective instrument for assessing CROM.