J Phys Ther Sci
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[Purpose] This study examined the effects of lumbar stabilization exercises on the functional disability and lumbar lordosis angles in patients with chronic low back pain. [Subjects] The subjects were 30 patients with chronic low back pain divided into a lumbar stabilization exercise group (n = 15) and a conservative treatment group (n = 15). [Methods] The lumbar stabilization exercise and conservative treatment groups performed an exercise program and conservative physical treatment, respectively. Both programs were performed 3 times a week for 6 weeks. The degree of functional disability was assessed by the Oswestry disability index, and lumbar lordosis angles were measured by plain radiography. [Results] The Oswestry disability index decreased significantly in the both groups; however, it was significantly lower in the lumbar stabilization exercise group. The lumbar lordosis angle increased significantly in the lumbar stabilization exercise group after treatment and was also significantly greater than that in the conservative treatment group. [Conclusion] Lumbar stabilization exercise is more effective than conservative treatment for improving functional disability and lumbar lordosis angles.
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[Purpose] To evaluate pre-extubation variables and check the discriminative validity of age as well as its correlation with weaning failure in elderly patients. [Subjects and Methods] Two hundred thirty-nine consecutive patients (48% female) who were on mechanical ventilation and had undergone orotracheal intubation were divided into four subgroups according to their age: <59 years, 60-69 years, 70-79 years, and >80 years old. The expiratory volume (VE), respiratory frequency (f), tidal volume (VT), and respiratory frequency/tidal volume ratio (f/VT) were used to examine differences in weaning parameters between the four subgroups, and age was correlated with weaning failure. [Results] The rate of weaning failure was 27.8% in patients aged >80 years and 22.1% in patients aged <60 years old. Elderly patients presented higher f/VT and f values and lower VT values. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for f/VT ratio were smaller than those published previously. [Conclusion] Our results indicate that aging influences weaning criteria without causing an increase in weaning failure.
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[Purpose] Physical examinations for chest movements by inspection and palpation are poorly reproducible. This study aimed to investigate the inter-rater reliability of a new breathing movement scale for patients with respiratory diseases, in clinical practice. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-six patients with respiratory diseases were enrolled. BMS measurements were obtained during quiet breathing for 13 patients and during deep breathing for the other 13 patients. ⋯ Scale values were measured while in the supine position using a pen-sized breathing movement-measuring device used by two raters during the same session. Scale values at five observation points and total values were recorded. A weighted Kappa coefficient and percentage agreement were used to assess inter-rater reliability with this BMS. [Results] The weighted Kappa coefficients during quiet and deep breathing had substantial to excellent strength of agreement (0.63-1.00) with percentage agreements of 31-100%. [Conclusion] Our results provide preliminary evidence to support the reliability of breathing movement scale measurements to assess breathing movements and chest and abdominal mobility for patients with respiratory diseases.