Articles: function.
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In this article, I present my views on the diversified approaches to assess the physical fitness of soldiers within selected armies worldwide. I discussed the related common features and paradoxes associated with these approaches. For the comparative analysis, national diversity was taken into account and subjective selection of the physical fitness tests conducted in the armies of the United States, Finland, Germany, India, China, Israel, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Poland was done. ⋯ In conclusion, I am in favor of multi-system tests, comprised of obstacle courses mirroring potential situations in combat tasks. In my opinion, multi-system tests are superior compared to single-system function tests since they enable a comprehensive assessment of effort, coordination, and mental predispositions necessary for functioning in real-life conditions. I also support physical fitness evaluation that is not differentiated based on a soldier's gender and age, as there is no logical justification for such distinctions.
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Persistent postsurgical pain (PPSP) following thoracic surgery affects 40%-60% of patients undergoing lung resection due to malignancies. Postoperative pain-related symptoms are common, leading to limitations in activities of daily living (ADL) and deterioration in physical function, which significantly impacts quality of life. Pain-related limitations are of interest, as postsurgical pain may present as a target for intervention to improve postoperative rehabilitation. This study aimed to evaluate the association between PPSP and ADL limitations during the first 12 postoperative months after surgery for lung cancer. ⋯ Surgery remains a cornerstone in the treatment of early-stage lung cancer. Despite advances in minimally invasive techniques and rehabilitation, persisting postsurgical pain and pain-related limitations in daily activities may endure. This study investigated specifically the pain-related limitations in activities of daily living and described recovery trajectories during the first 12 postoperative months. Patients with persistent postsurgical pain experienced multiple limitations compared to pain-free patients. Although partial recovery was observed, impairments remained significant for up to 12 months after surgery.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Nov 2024
The effect of sacral erector spinae plane block on the quality of recovery after total hip arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized, controlled, multicenter study.
Total hip arthroplasty, commonly performed to alleviate hip pain and enhance functionality in elderly patients, requires effective postoperative pain management to reduce opioid consumption and its associated side effects. A novel regional anaesthesia technique, the sacral erector spinae plane block, has the potential to enhance the quality of postoperative recovery significantly. ⋯ Sacral erector spinae plane block is a promising analgesic technique that enhances postoperative recovery and patient comfort in total hip arthroplasty.
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Review
Association of physical function with hospital readmissions among older adults: A systematic review.
Hospital readmissions pose significant burdens on healthcare systems, particularly among older adults. While efforts to reduce readmissions have historically focused on medical management, emerging evidence suggests physical function may also play a role in successful care transitions. However, there is a limited understanding of the relationship between functional measures and readmission risk. This systematic review aims to assess the association between physical function impairments and hospital readmissions. ⋯ Functional impairments are robust predictors of hospital readmissions in older adults. Routine assessment of physical function during hospitalization can improve risk stratification and may support successful care transitions, particularly in older adults.
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Pain is a debilitating symptom generally caused by injuries or various conditions. It can be acute, subacute, or chronic and can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. The goal of managing pain is to relieve or reduce suffering and improve patient functioning. ⋯ This paper aims to present a review of current performance measures for pain to inform physicians, payers, and policymakers in their selection and use of performance measures. The PMC reviewed 6 performance measures for pain relevant to internal medicine physicians, of which 3 were considered valid at their intended levels of attribution ("Use of Imaging for Low Back Pain," "Use of Opioids at High Dosage in Persons Without Cancer," and "Use of Opioids From Multiple Providers in Persons Without Cancer"). This paper also proposes a performance measure concept to address a quality-of-care gap based on the current clinical guideline from ACP and the American Academy of Family Physicians, "Nonpharmacologic and Pharmacologic Management of Acute Pain From Non-low Back, Musculoskeletal Injuries in Adults."