Physiotherapy
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Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) for acute hypercapnic respiratory failure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been shown to decrease endotracheal intubation and mortality; however, little guidance exists on NIV initiation. This study aimed to explore patient outcomes and the process of NIV initiation following the introduction of an algorithm. ⋯ This study presents an algorithm to assist the application of NIV, and has demonstrated changes in practice following its introduction. It is proposed that the algorithm is considered for use within services that initiate NIV. Further work is required to explore the effects of staff education and the promotion of ownership.
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To investigate three-dimensional angular changes of the pelvis and lower extremities during trunk axial rotation in subjects with and without chronic low back pain (LBP). ⋯ The angular change of the pelvis in the sagittal plane differed significantly between groups. Further research is needed to investigate the three-dimensional characteristics of biomechanical and neuromuscular aspects in subjects with LBP.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Interferential laser therapy in the treatment of shoulder pain and disability from musculoskeletal pathologies: a randomised comparative study.
Interference is an important feature of the waves. When two or more in phase light waves meet, a new and reinforced wave is generated. Shoulder pain is a common clinical problem and laser is one of the treatments frequently used to relieve it. ⋯ In this study, the application of two low level lasers in order to generate interference inside the irradiated tissue showed to be a safe therapy. Both interferential and conventional laser therapy reduced shoulder pain and disability. Nevertheless, differences between them were not detected. Future research in this field could include applying this technique with other laser parameters or application forms.