Scandinavian journal of rehabilitation medicine
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Scand J Rehabil Med · Dec 1998
Relations between self-rated musculoskeletal symptoms and signs and psychological distress in chronic neck and shoulder pain.
The purposes of the present study were to describe physical and psychological characteristics of 55 chronic pain patients with predominantly nociceptive neck and shoulder complaints, and to explore relationships between physical assessment methods, self-reported pain and psychological distress. The physical measures included cervical and shoulder mobility and muscle tenderness. ⋯ No significant correlation was seen between TP score and age, pain duration or trait anxiety. The results suggest that there are relationships between observers' ratings of muscle tenderness (TP score) and self-reports of pain severity, interference of pain and psychological distress in patients with chronic cervico-brachial pain.
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Scand J Rehabil Med · Sep 1998
Comparative StudySubacute and chronic low back pain. Reliability and validity of a Swedish version of the Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire.
The purpose of this study was to investigate test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of a Swedish version of the Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire (RM-Sw), and to describe demographic factors in patients with low back pain of at least 4 weeks' duration seeking outpatient physical therapy treatment in primary care settings. Seventy-two patients participated in the study. ⋯ Gender, education and occupation were only moderately related to RM-Sw scores, explaining 14% of the variance in the scores. It is concluded that RM-Sw is a reliable and valid measure of functional ability in low back pain.
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Scand J Rehabil Med · Mar 1998
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialPressure algometry in healthy subjects: inter-examiner variability.
The purpose of this study was to estimate inter-examiner reliability of head and neck algometry. Pain perception thresholds were assessed with a mechanical pressure algometer in 21 healthy individuals. Thresholds were assessed at 13 symmetrical points on each side of the head and neck, at the deltoid muscle and at the median finger. ⋯ Inter-examiner reliability of side differences was excellent, with CR = 1.23 kg/cm2. In conclusion, manual algometry with a rather inexpensive mechanical device has a good to excellent inter-rater reliability. When studying patients, however, the possible bias introduced by different examiners should be taken into account, both regarding study design and data analysis.
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Scand J Rehabil Med · Jun 1997
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialComparison of three intensive programs for chronic low back pain patients: a prospective, randomized, observer-blinded study with one-year follow-up.
In a randomized, blinded study, we compared the outcome from a full-time functional restoration program with the outcome from shorter active rehabilitation programs for patients with chronic, disabling low back pain. The study initially included 132 patients, randomized into one of three treatment programs: (1) an intensive 3-week multidisciplinary program; (2) active physical training and back school; or (3) psychological pain management and active physical training. Nine of the randomized patients never started in any program, so the studied population consisted of 123 patients. ⋯ There was no significant difference between Programs 2 and 3 in most of these parameters. As for sick leave and leg pain, there was no significant difference between Programs 1 and 2, although a difference was observed when comparing Program 3 with each of the other two. Conclusively, it seems that there is human, as well as economical, benefit from a functional restoration program compared to less intensive programs for these patients.
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Scand J Rehabil Med · Mar 1997
Relationships between spinal mobility, physical performance tests, pain intensity and disability assessments in chronic low back pain patients.
Correlations between the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (ODQ), the Pain Disability Index (PDI), PDI subscales PDI factor 1 (PDI 1), PDI factor 2 (PDI 2) and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain intensity on the one hand and spine range of motion measures and static and dynamic functional performance tests on the other, were studied in 52 chronic low back pain patients. Comparable groups of male and female patients were studied. A moderately significant (p < 0.01) inverse correlation was observed between the ODQ and rotation to the left even after correction for age, but not when men and women were studied separately. ⋯ In the women only the isometric lifting test showed a moderately significant inverse correlation (r = -0.504, p < 0.01) with pain intensity. Such apparent gender differences in the overlap between physical performance tests and self-report disability assessments and pain intensity may be clinically relevant. The results will, however, require confirmation on larger groups of chronic low back pain patients.