Physiotherapy
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Cortical change, in the manner of cortical remapping is a common feature of and potential driver for chronic low back pain (CLBP). Novel interventions such as graded motor imagery (GMI) and mirror visual feedback (MVF) have been shown to facilitate correction of cortical changes and improve symptoms in other chronic pain states. However, little is known regarding the effectiveness of these treatment approaches in CLBP. ⋯ There is a paucity of robust literature which has examined the application and efficacy of these novel treatments in the management of CLBP. Results from the few CLBP studies which are available are encouraging. Further, robust research is needed to optimise treatment protocols and establish their long-term effectiveness in CLBP.
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Comparative Study Observational Study
Smoking status and its relationship with exercise capacity, physical activity in daily life and quality of life in physically independent, elderly individuals.
To investigate the relationship between smoking status and exercise capacity, physical activity in daily life and health-related quality of life in physically independent, elderly (≥60 years) individuals. ⋯ Among elderly individuals, current smokers had lower exercise capacity than never smokers. Although the level of physical activity did not differ between the groups, an association was found with smoking. Tobacco exposure was associated with worse scores for the mental health dimension of SF-36 in physically independent, elderly individuals.
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Review Comparative Study
Addition of motivational interventions to exercise and traditional physiotherapy: a review and meta-analysis.
Incontestable epidemiological trends indicate that, for the foreseeable future, mortality and morbidity will be dominated by an escalation in chronic lifestyle-related diseases. International guidelines recommend the implementation of evidence-based approaches to bring about health behaviour changes. Motivational interventions to increase adherence and physical activity are not part of traditional physiotherapy for any condition. ⋯ The results indicate that motivational interventions are successful for increasing healthy physical activity behaviour. Physiotherapists are ideally placed to take on this role, and motivational interventions must become part of physiotherapy practice.
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Patients' subjective impression of change is an important construct to measure following physiotherapy, but little evidence exists about the best type of measure to use. ⋯ The two versions of the GSOS showed similar validity; however, use of the Likert GSOS is recommended because of its greater utility.
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(1) To identify risk factors for chronic disability in people with acute whiplash associated disorders (WAD). (2) To estimate the impact of the numbers of risk factors present. ⋯ Baseline disability had the strongest association with chronic disability but psychological and behavioural factors were also important. Treatment strategies should reflect this which may require a change to current physiotherapy approaches for acute WAD. The number of risk factors present should be considered when evaluating potential for poor outcome.