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Objective: People who have experienced stroke are at a high risk for falls, fractures, and osteoporosis. Bone health post-stroke is often overlooked. The goal of this study was to understand current practice perspectives and barriers to bone health care post-stroke among physiatrists. Methods: We conducted an online survey of English-speaking stroke physiatrists practicing in Canada from October 2 ...

Objective: Acetabular fractures are among the most severe injuries in trauma surgery. In younger patients, they typically result from high-energy trauma and are often associated with polytrauma. Treatment complexity and rehabilitation outcomes are influenced by overall injury severity. This study aimed to evaluate return to work (RTW) after acetabular fracture in relation to the overall injury sev ...

Objective: The aim of this report is to describe the aggregated insights and key findings from a Swedish need assessment project. The project comprised 3 parallel studies identifying [a] needs to be met, [b] research questions, and [c] knowledge translation gaps related to enhancing the lives of people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: The project included people living with SCI, their relat ...

Objective: Long-term mobility impairment is a sequel of stroke victims which requires intensive medical and physiotherapeutic care. Detailed assessment of therapeutic success is relevant to achieving efficacy, but requires expert knowledge, since mobility disorders are complex. Increasing shortage of qualified staff and larger numbers of patients are thus major problems in this field. To meet thes ...

Aim of the study: To improve the effectiveness of neurorehabilitation in patients with severe combat spinal cord injury by combining spinal cord repetitive transvertebral magnetic stimulation (rTvMS) and non-invasive transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TcES) of peripheral nerves. Clinical rationale for study: For the best recovery from severe combat spinal cord injury, neurorehabilitation must ...

Objective: We aimed to translate, culturally adapt and test the Prosthetic Upper Extremity Functional Index-2 for a Swedish context. Subjects: Ten children with congenital upper limb deficiency with an upper limb prosthesis and their parents. Methods: The translation and cultural adaptation of the Prosthetic Upper Extremity Functional Index-2 was conducted according to the International Society fo ...

Objective: To descriptively evaluate Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy – a novel intervention for post-stroke shoulder pain – by use of clinical assessments and the participants’ experiences. Design: Two case reports. Methods: Two individuals with mild to moderate upper extremity impairments and persistent post-stroke shoulder pain, underwent Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy for 12 week ...

Objective: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of spasticity-corrective surgery and botulinum toxin treatment in patients with upper limb spasticity. Design: Pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study. Patients: Thirty-four patients with disabling spasticity. Methods: Patients were divided into 2 groups based on their treatment preference: the surgery group, which underwent tendon lengthening/releas ...

Background: Prediction of functional recovery in older adults recovering from stroke is typically based on observational scales, such as the Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation (USER). Objectively measuring postural sway using inertial measurement devices (IMU) may complement or improve conventional approaches. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether integrating an IMU with USER d ...

Objective: To report an in-hospital cardiac rehabilitation strategy after exercise-induced implantable cardioverter defibrillator shock. Case report: A 72-year-old man with heart failure, peripheral artery disease, a history of percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass surgery, exercise-induced ventricular fibrillation, and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator was hospital ...

Objective: The current aftertreatment for surgically treated patients with displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs) consists of restricted weight bearing (RWB) for 8–12 weeks. This study aimed to assess whether permissive weight bearing (PWB) results in improved patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) after a minimum of 2 years -follow-up, compared to RWB. Design: Multicentre, retrospect ...

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) with diffuse axonal injury (DAI) necessitates significant medical and rehabilitation interventions. The late long-term outcome is variable with potential for neurodegenerative development and deterioration. This study evaluates the late long-term outcomes of moderate to severe TBI with DAI. Methods: Patients aged 16–65 with moderate to severe TBI and DA ...

Objective: To examine incidence and associations for unplanned Acute Care Unit Readmissions (ACURs) in Asian primary brain tumour patients. Design: A retrospective single-centre cohort study. Patients: A total of 173 Asian primary brain tumour patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation in a tertiary rehabilitation centre. Methods: Primary outcome was unplanned ACUR. Logistic regression analysis ...

Objective: To describe a case of paraparesis caused by both peripheral neuropathy and spinal cord injury following a lightning strike, highlighting imaging findings and neurophysiological results to improve understanding and management. Design: A case report. Patient: A 29-year-old male without significant medical or surgical history, struck by lightning. Methods: Neurological evaluation, imaging ...

On November 24, 2023 Ingela Marklund defended her thesis Lower-extremity constraint-induced movement therapy in individuals with stroke – improvements, experiences and health-related quality of life at the Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden. Supervisors: Maria Klässbo, Brynjar Fure, Britt-Marie Stålnacke, Xiaolei Hu.

Objective: We showed that a tailored strengthening intervention based on the size of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in the affected arm was effective in improving function in chronic stroke survivors. Here, we investigated whether the short-term gains in arm function were maintained at 1-year follow-up. Subjects: Twenty-five participants at the chronic stage of a stroke. Methods: Participants were ...

Objective: To evaluate the benefits of inpatient rehabilitation for a patient with post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis and to provide guidance for rehabilitation professionals, as many conventional therapeutic interventions are not tolerated and are poorly defined. Design: A case report. Subjects/patients: A 72-year-old man with a COVID-19-related idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis exacerbation. Results: ...

Objective: To examine an early decannulation protocol in adult severe acquired brain injury (SABI) patients. Design: Retrospective, observational cohort study. Subjects/patients: Tracheotomized SABI patients ≥ 18 years admitted to a neurorehabilitation unit. Methods: Primary outcome measure was difference in survival rate within first year of discharge. Secondary outcome measures were respirator ...

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury is a significant global health concern. It often results from high-velocity accidents and leads to diffuse axonal injury, causing consciousness disorders and potentially permanent cognitive and behavioural changes. Individuals with traumatic brain injury often exhibit weight gain, potentially leading to obesity. This weight increase is influenced by cognitive d ...

A 45-year-old woman with persistent acute disseminated encephalomyelitis sequelae participated in a 4-week robotic-assisted training program of her affected arm combined with transcranial direct current stimulation. Clinical indicators such as range of motion, motor function of the affected arm, fatigue, pain, spasticity, and quality of life were assessed pre/post-intervention. The results demonst ...

Background: Heterotopic ossification is a common complication after joint replacement surgery, such as hip or knee arthroplasty. In the intensive care unit, it is most commonly associated with traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury. To prevent recurrence, surgical resection of heterotopic ossification is recommended once the ectopic bone has fully matured, which is estimated to occur after a ...

Objective: In response to the high prevalence and morbidity associated with long COVID (LC), outpatient rehabilitation programmes were created across jurisdictions. We aimed to characterize baseline symptoms and impairments of patients attending outpatient LC rehabilitation. Design: This study was a retrospective quality-improvement analysis. Subjects/Patients: Patients attending outpatient LC reh ...

Objective: To assess the effect of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy on the reduction of local hypertonia in patients with cerebral palsy. Design: Explorative pre-post intervention study. Subjects/Patients: Forty-five patients with cerebral palsy. Methods: All patients received 3 sessions of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy with a time interval of 1 week for each session. The outcomes ...

Objective: Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy associated with anti-signal recognition particle antibodies is a rare and debilitating condition characterized by significant muscle weakness and resultant disability. Although there are existing recommendations for physical therapy and exercise for patients with myositis in current literature, effective rehabilitation guidelines for such patients ha ...

Objective: This longitudinal pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety and potential benefits of Platelet-Rich Plasma injections into the lumbar intervertebral discs in patients with low back pain and degenerative intervertebral monodiscopathy, assessing potential efficacy on disability. Design: Longitudinal pilot study. Methods: Six participants with chronic low back pain and lumbar d ...

Objective: To follow up patients with post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) 6 months after a multidisciplinary team assessment in specialist care regarding symptoms of pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue and cognition, level of activity, physical activity and sick leave. Methods: A prospective pilot study conducted in a clinical setting of patients (n = 22) with PCC referred from primary healthcare to ...

Objective: Firstly, the study explores the association between timely initiation of rehabilitation and 90-day and 365-day all-cause acute readmission and secondly, 90-day and 365-day all-cause mortality in a cohort of Odense Municipality residents. Methods: The registry-based observational cohort study investigates acute contacts at Odense University Hospital from 2015 to 2020. Descriptive statist ...

Objective: To demonstrate the long-term efficacy of repeated botulinum toxin A injections into the same muscles for ameliorating lower limb spasticity and gait function. Design: Single-case study Patient: A 36-year-old woman with right cerebral haemorrhage received her first botulinum toxin A injection 1,296 days after onset. The patient underwent 30 treatments over 12 years after the first inject ...

This case presents a 35-year-old male with spinal predominant neurofibromatosis-1 who developed an incomplete spinal cord injury (C3 Asia C) which did not improve despite urgent decompressive surgery for multiple cervical neurofibromas. This report outlines a novel indication for intrathecal baclofen. The patient suffered from lower limb weakness with severe spasticity and required assistance of a ...

Objective: To assess pain outcomes, stress levels and body awareness among patients with chronic pain and explore potential associations between these variables. Design: An explorative study. Methods: Patients with chronic pain in primary and specialist care were assessed regarding pain intensity using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS; 0–10 point scale) and stress levels using the Stress and Cris ...

Devastating earthquake disasters are experienced all over the world. On February 6, 2023, two major earthquakes with magnitudes of Mw 7.7 and 7.6, respectively, occurred centered in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey. It resulted in at least 50,783 deaths and more than 122,000 injuries according to official data. Defining the post-earthquake experiences and earthquake risk assessment well and identifying the ...

Objectives: The professional literature guides manual handling in numerous health care settings. The effects of these guidelines on stroke rehabilitation and the clinical communication of health care professionals are unknown. This paper aims to investigate the perspectives of nurses and physiotherapists on handling guidelines in their professions to identify conflicts in opinions to provide optim ...

Objective: On 6 February 2023, 2 earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.7 and 7.6 mW occurred in Pazarcık and Elbistan districts of Kahramanmaraş province (Turkey) and affected 11 provinces in total, especially Hatay, Malatya, and Adıyaman. Here, we report 3 earthquake victims in order to define patients profiles. Case reports: Three patients who were taken to the orthopedic and neurological rehabili ...

Objective: To determine whether application of a strength training regimen yields measurable results on stroke survivors and compare different methods for the proposed intervention. Design, Patients and Methods: Ninety stroke patients were recruited from the neurological clinic of a local third-level clinic. Sixty patients participated in a strength training regimen with trainings taking place 3 t ...

Objective: Evaluation of the hand function affected when replacing a malfunctioning hand by a bionic hand. Design: Case report. Subjects: One individual that wished for a better quality of life after unsatisfying hand function following a replantation. Methods: A quantitative and qualitative evaluation of body functions as well as activity performance and participation before and after a planned a ...

Objective: Making the diagnosis of sarcopenia is not always easy and this is especially true for those with cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether it is possible to diagnose sarcopenia by using ultrasound-guided measurements of anterior femoral muscle thickness. Methods: We investigated the utility of ultrasound-guided measurements of anterior femoral muscle th ...

Objective: To assess the efficacy of the multidisciplinary biopsychosocial rehabilitation programme for chronic spinal patients as to work status, physical functioning, pain intensity, health-related quality of life and the psychosocial domain. Design: This is a retrospective, single-centre, observational cohort study. Subjects/Patients: A total of 209 subjects (mean age 41.5 ± 11.4 years) wi ...

Objective: To explore functional connectivity after intensive attention training in the chronic phase after traumatic brain injury as clinical evidence indicates that intensive attention training improves attention dysfunction in persons with traumatic brain injury. Design and subjects: A case series study. Two young adults, 13- and 18-months post traumatic brain injury, with traumatic brain injur ...

Objective: To examine the effect of in-bed leg cycling exercise on patients with intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW). Design: Single-center retrospective study. Subjects/Patients: Patients admitted to the ICU between January 2019 and March 2023 were enrolled in the ergometer group, and those admitted to the ICU between August 2017 and December 2018 were enrolled in the control group. Me ...

This paper explores the efficacy of the cushion fitting technique using foam cut out cushions for off-loading bony prominences in the sitting position, with a particular focus on reducing the high risk of developing pressure injuries among aging wheelchair users. This technique, historically employed at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, has shown promising results in reducing press ...

Objective: People with a lower-limb amputation often have a sedentary lifestyle and increasing physical activity is important to optimize their health and quality of life. To achieve this the Amputee Parateam programme was developed. Amputee Parateam is a sports programme that addresses important physical, environmental, and social barriers for sports participation. This programme was evaluated in ...

Introduction: This report concerns the case of a 70-year-old man with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). The diagnosis in the current case took more than 2 years. iNPH is characterised by ventriculomegaly with a known triad of symptoms: gait disturbance, cognitive impairments and urinary incontinence. Although this is a difficult diagnosis and other conditions must be ruled out, seve ...

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a dyadic outpatient rehabilitation program focused on improving the real-life daily activities of patients with mild cognitive impairments or dementia and their caregivers. Design: Retrospective study. Subjects: Eight patients with mild cognitive impairments or dementia and their caregivers. Methods: The rehabilitation program comprised eight 1-hour sess ...

Objective: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly used to evaluate patients with musculoskeletal problems. Here we evaluated the impact of POCUS in musculoskeletal consultations in primary care setting using a Philips Lumify portable ultrasound device. We aimed to determine the impact of POCUS on the number of hospital referrals for therapeutic infiltrations as well as on the number of i ...

Objective: This study investigates the feasibility of delivering inspiratory muscle training as part of the physical therapy treatment for patients with post-COVID dyspnoea.Design: Mixed-methods pilot study.Subjects/patients: Patients with complaints of dyspnoea after COVID-19 infection and their physical therapists.Methods: The Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and the Amsterdam University ...

Objective: Direct swallowing rehabilitation assessment in patients with highly infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, is not recommended. We aimed to explore the feasibility of using telerehabilitation for managing dysphagia in patients with COVID-19 in isolated hospital rooms.Design: Open-label trial.Subjects/patients: We examined 7 enrolled patients with COVID-19 who presented with dysphagia and ...

Objective: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type I (CRPS-I) is an often intractable regional pain syndrome, usually affecting limbs in which amputation may be a final resort. Not all patients are suited for amputation. This retrospective case series with explorative interviews aims to gain insight in the quality of life in those who have been denied an amputation and their functioning with CRPS-I.Pa ...

Objective: Swearing deserves attention in the physical therapy setting due to its potential positive psychological, physiological, and social effects. The purpose of this case series is to describe 2 cases in which a physical therapist swears in the clinical setting and its effect on therapeutic alliance.Patients: Case 1 is a 19-year-old male treated for a hamstring strain, and case 2 is a 23-year ...

Objective: To evaluate patient-reported outcome measures in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain 1 year after participation in a case manager-led multimodal rehabilitation intervention in a Finnish primary care centre. Changes in healthcare utilization (HCU) were also explored.Methods: A prospective pilot study with 36 participants. The intervention consisted of screening, multidisciplinary ...

Objective: We aimed to investigate the clinical symptoms and specific care requirements of SARSCoV-2 patients who were admitted to a COVID-19 Rehabilitation Unit while still infectious for SARSCoV-2 and in the subacute phase of the disease.Methods: Patients admitted to our COVID-19 Rehabilitation Unit from March 2020 to December 2020 were evaluated for sarcopenia, and they also completed the follo ...

Introduction: During the current pandemic, there has been a paucity of Greek data in terms of recording the general long-term functional status of patients after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospitalizations, as well as very little information regarding rehabilitation services nationwide and their utilization.Objective-design: This is a prospective cohort study, including 92 adults discharg ...

Background: Osteochondroses are a set of conditions concerning the ossification of the developing bone. Higher intensity in sports activities can increase its occurrence in children. There is no consensus on its etiology, with multiple factors being involved. Van Neck–Odelberg disease is a rare osteochondrosis located in ischiopubic synchondrosis. Treatment is mainly conservative, with activity ...

Objective: To compare the functional outcomes of patients with lower limb amputations receiving haemodialysis and those not receiving haemodialysis.Design: A retrospective cohort study. Patients: Patients with lower limb amputation who were admitted to a convalescent rehabilitation ward between January 2018 and December 2021.Methods: The primary outcome was the effectiveness of the Functional Inde ...

Objective: To evaluate the effects of exercise training on upper extremity physical function and physiological fitness outcomes in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).Methods: A search of 3 electronic databases (EMBASE, CINAHL, and ovidMEDLINE) was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The included studies were randomized con ...

Objective: Morel-Lavallée lesion is a well-known entity after a high-energy, shearing trauma. Another form of lesion in the subcutaneous tissue is fat necrosis, presenting as a palpable mass. The most common presentation of fat necrosis is oil cysts, which occur mainly in the breast. However, in the lower extremities fat necrosis appears as nodular cystic fat necrosis. We report here a case of a ...

A growing body of work suggests that whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) could play a role as a promising adjuvant therapy in various conditions of rehabilitation interest. In fact, WBC is currently being used to relieve symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis, depression and anxiety, multiple sclerosis, sleep disturbances, muscle soreness after strenuous physical exerc ...

Objective: Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy is characterized by slow-progressive muscle weakness, decreased functional performance and falls. Research into the use of exercise in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy has shown equivocal to negative results, although authors suggest that patients with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy may benefit from both increased exercise intensity and shorter b ...

Objective: Hip pain is common in patients of advanced age and has a very broad differential. Of the potential aetiologies, iliopsoas tendon ruptures are rare. Consequently, there is a paucity of literature on iliopsoas rupture in the older adult population, and its rarity can lead to a delay in its diagnosis. When iliopsoas ruptures do occur, they are typically secondary to trauma; however, they c ...

Objective: Osteoarthritis is one of the most com- mon chronic conditions leading to disability among older people (age 60+ years). Knee osteoarthritis has a significant impact on daily functioning. Pain, stiffness, reduced strength, changes in posture, and reduced knee stability may result in reduced mobility. The aim of this study is to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of conservative th ...

Background: Haemophilic arthropathy is often associated with a loss of range of motion. Total knee arthroplasty is an effective treatment option for patients with end-stage haemophilic arthropathy of the knee. However, even after arthroplasty, the range of motion sometimes remains insufficient.Objective: To evaluate static progressive stretch as a treatment method for haemophilic patients with dec ...

Objective: Swallowing disorders are systematically present in patients with severe brain injury, disorders of consciousness, and subsequently poor quality of life. The study hypothesis was that taste and smell could improve swallowing function and quality of life in such patients, who are fed by gastrostomy tube.Methods: Eight patients with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome were included in this s ...

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of a high-volume and high-intensity functional training programme in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), and to explore whether functional capacity improves. A further objective was to explore changes in muscle strengthand aerobic capacity.Methods: This pilot study comprised a 12-week intervention, with an 8-week follow-up period. The intervention consiste ...

Background: Most patients with polio recover from the initial infection, but develop muscle weakness, pain and fatigue after 15–40 years, a condition called post-polio syndrome. Although poliovirus has been almost eliminated, 12–20 million people worldwide still have polio sequelae. The pain is described mainly as nociceptive, but some patients experience neuropathic pain. The aim of this stud ...

Objective: To test the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of the My Therapy programme for inpatients with mild-moderate cognitive impairment. Design: Observational pilot study. Patients: Rehabilitation inpatients with mild-moderate cognitive impairment. Methods: During their inpatient admission, participants received My Therapy, a programme that can increase the dose of rehabilitation thr ...

Missing (Case Report)

Objective: Neurogenic dysphagia and other neurological manifestations are increasingly described in patients with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). We report here a case of successful treatment of SARS-CoV-2-induced severe neurogenic dysphagia, using pharyngeal electrical stimulation (PES) in addition to speech and language therapy. Methods: A 62-year-old male patient with COVID-19 pneumonitis, prolonged i ...

Objective: To investigate the factors predicting oral feeding ability following acute stroke. Methods: This retrospective study compared patients admitted to a stroke care unit in 2 groups: an oral intake group and a tube feeding group. The groups were evaluated for 28 items and initial blood investigation tests, and the results compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the cli ...

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of electromechanically-assisted rehabilitation of upper limb function in post-stroke patients. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Subjects: Forty-eight stroke patients. Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. The control group underwent occupational therapy training with conventional methods. The experimental group ...

Objective: To evaluate the usability of 2 head-mounted displays in youths undergoing neurorehabilitation; a mixed reality head-mounted display and a virtual reality head-mounted display. Design: Observational cross-sectional study. Patients: Thirteen youths (age range 7. 8–16. 5 years) with neuromotor disorder. Methods: Youths wore a mixed reality or a virtual reality head-mounted display ...

Objective: To evaluate the acceptability of using a static wearable chair for patients requiring rehabilitation. Methods: The acceptability of use of a static wearable chair during rehabilitation was assessed via static balance and subjective evaluation of 7 healthy subjects and 3 patients during standing training. Participants performed 1 standing task in free mode (in which the knee could bend ...

Case report: We report the effect of a 6-week outpatient (phase II) cardiac rehabilitation in a 38-year-old man with post-stented coarctation of the aorta, moyamoya disease and hypertension. The cardiac rehabilitation programme comprised physiotherapist-guided aerobic exercises, resistance training and relaxation exercises. Clinical and functional assessment was performed before and after the card ...

Aim: To translate and validate the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale into Mexican-Spanish. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was performed for transcultural validation of the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale in people over 18 years of age, using the international guide-lines for validation published by Beaton and Guillemin. Diagnostic and clinimetric validity tests were app ...

In China, the stable type of fifth metatarsal base fracture is usually treated by rehabilitation methods after the limbs have been fixed for approximately 4 weeks. A 37-year-old woman fractured her fifth metatarsal base, with a stable fracture type. From the second day of the fracture onward, she agreed to participate in rehabilitative treatment that did not involve surgery or long-term fixation. ...

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of a virtual reality exercise intervention within an interdisciplinary rehabilitation programme for persons with chronic neck pain. The effects of the intervention on symptom severity, variables related to chronic neck pain, and patients' experience of exercises were assessed. Methods: Nine women and 3 men participated in a 6-week virtual reality exercis ...

Background: Spinal arachnoid cysts are rare entities, which are composed of a duplication in the arachnoid membrane and resultant cerebrospinal fluid collection, which may present with a progressive myelopathy. The most common symptoms caused by spinal cord compression are paraesthesia, neuropathic pain, paresis and gait ataxia. Clinical cases: We report here 2 cases from different perspectives ...

This study discusses a novel diagnosis, “stress-related exhaustion disorder“, which was introduced in Sweden in 2005. An International Classification of Diseases 10th revision (ICD-10) code, F43. 8A, was specified for exhaustion disorder. Since then, there has been a remarkable increase in the number of patients diagnosed with exhaustion disorder in Sweden. The scientific basis of the diagnosi ...

Introduction: Physiotherapy plays a key role in cerebral palsy rehabilitation, through addressing body function/structure deficits, minimizing activity limitations, and encouraging participation. The muscle shortening manoeuvre is an innovative therapeutic technique, characterized by the ability to induce changes in muscle strength in a short time. Objective: To describe the applicability an ...

Objective: To describe a case of early management of post-stroke spasticity treated with incobotulinumtoxinA (IncoA) in a patient with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Scarce information is available on this subject, as the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitat-ed postponement of interventions in infected and clinically suspicious patients. Case report: A 58-year-old woman presenting with ischaemic stroke, was ...

Evidence shows that, in order to attain optimum outcomes, rehabilitation interventions should be delivered by multi-professional teams. A rehabilitation nurse is one of the relevant rehabilitation professionals. The model of nursing care has shifted from the traditional model (a passive role of patients) to a complex and modern concept of nursing in supporting patients to independently and activel ...

Phantom limb pain is clinically defined as the perception of pain or discomfort in a limb that no longer exists. Most amputees will experience phantom limb pain, which is associated with a low health-related quality of life. Phantom limb pain represents an important challenge in finding an effective therapy. The scientific evidence for best practice is weak, and is characterized by various clinica ...

Pain, stiffness and joint deformity can result in significantly reduced hand function in people with osteoarthritis. Characteristic finger deformities in osteoarthritis are swan neck deformity and boutonnière deformity. Several studies have reported that an orthosis decreases pain and increases function during daily activities for patients with arthritis. The aim of this study was to review patie ...

The consequences and optimal treatment of quadriceps fibrosis following intramuscular quinine injection during childhood remain unclear. We report here a case of a 17-year-old girl who experienced unilateral quadriceps fibrosis following intramuscular injection of quinine as a baby. This case report describes the evolution of the condition during the child's growth, the long-term impact of early f ...

Objective: Toe walking due to progressive shortening of the calf muscles is common in people with hereditary spastic paraplegia. Achilles tendon lengthening is a treatment option, but clinicians are often hesitant to use this procedure, as it may result in weakening of the calf muscles and, subsequently, in reduced ankle power and knee instability during the stance phase of gait. We report here a ...

For special populations such as people with a mental health issue or learning disability, a disconnect between the ability to accurately monitor and regulate exercise behaviour can lead to reduced levels of physical activity, which, in turn, is associated with additional physical or mental health problems. Activity pacing is a strategy used in clinical settings to address issues of pain ameliorati ...

Objective: To assess satisfaction of prosthesis users with their prostheses, and the problems they experience with the residual limb, using a checklist, in order to evaluate potential benefits of checklist use and to summarize issues and problems with the prosthesis and/or residual limb presented by prosthesis users. Design: Cross-sectional study. Subjects: Participants were adult trans-tibial ...

Despite increasing evidence for, and heightened awareness of, the importance of exercise in Parkinson's disease, many patients remain sedentary. This tendency to lead an inactive lifestyle has various underlying reasons, including the presence of gait and balance impairments that complicate the patients' ability to perform sports activities. This case report illustrates that a personally tailored ...

Objective: Low back pain caused by osteoporosis-induced thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures is a common debilitating disorder. The aims of this study were to determine the accuracy and efficacy of spinal dorsal ramus injection and radiofrequency neurolysis for pain reduction in patients with this condition. Methods: This study was a retrospective chart review of 46 patients with low ba ...

Objective: To describe the sociodemographic features, impairments, and functional changes of COVID-19-positive individuals who underwent inpatient rehabilitation at three rehabilitation hospitals in Toronto, Canada. Design: Retrospective chart review of patients admitted to three COVID-19 rehabilitation units between 20 April 2020 and 3 June 2020. Sociodemographic factors, impairments, length of ...

Background: Intrathecal baclofen is considered an adjuvant therapy for patients with intractable spasms due to stiff-person syndrome. There is increasing evidence to support the use of intrathecal baclofen in the management of symptomatic stiff-person syndrome, with improvement in function. Case report: A 38-year-old woman with stiff-person syndrome initially presented to inpatient rehabilitatio ...

Objective: Periods of lockdown due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have a negative effect on individuals’ physical health and quality of life, and may result in a weakened immune response, leading to enhanced risk of infection. Due to lack of access to public resources during periods of lockdown many individuals cannot perform their usual daily physical activities. The aim of this short r ...

Objective: Alien hand syndrome is a rare neurological disorder in which the patient makes seemingly purposeful movements of one hand, which are dissociated from any conscious intent. These abnormal movements are very annoying, and can be disabling, for the patient. There is no established effective treatment for alien hand syndrome. Methods: Report of a case of a 61-year old man with frontal var ...

Objective: Hand orthoses are often prescribed for persons with chronic hand and wrist impairments. This study assessed the feasibility, in terms of production time and user satisfaction, of 3-dimensional printed hand orthoses compared with conventional hand orthoses for this population. Methods: In this prospective case series, both a conventional hand orthosis and a 3-dimensional printed hand o ...

Objective: To evaluate the effects of personalized exposure in vivo on level of physical activity and quality of life in patients with painful diabetic neuro-pathy. Design: Randomized, single-case, ABC design. Subjects: Twelve patients with painful diabetic neuropathy, age >18 years, diabetes mellitus type II, Clinical Neurological Examination score >5, Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom Score ≥1 a ...

Cancer itself can have lifelong devastating effects, but radiation treatment can often also result in long-lasting neurological and musculoskeletal complications, leading to subsequent severe functional impairments. Physiatrists caring for the cancer rehabilitation population must be able to recognize and treat radiation-induced peripheral nerve in-juries. This report presents a rare case of radia ...

Objective: To evaluate the effect of whole-body vibration training on working-age people on haemodialysis. Design: Consecutive case series study. Subjects: Seventeen working-age participants on maintenance haemodialysis were enrolled. Methods: A 12-week whole-body vibration training programme, including different postures, was designed. The study evaluated and compared phys-ical fitness, inc ...

Objective: To elucidate the characteristics of recovery progression during long-term rehabilitation after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury. Methods: Longitudinal changes in consciousness, swallowing disorders, activities of daily living, and psychological and behavioural status were studied in 7 patients with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury, using scores of the National Agency ...

Objective: To report the functional outcomes of two patients with morbid obesity (> 250 kg) who received in-reach rehabilitation after hospitalization for sepsis in Sydney, Australia. Case reports: A retrospective review of hospital charts was performed with the informed consent of both patients. Body mass index, demographics, length of stay, functional status at admission and discharge, ...

Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome, characterized by dyspnoea and arterial desaturation while upright, is a rare complication of acute respiratory distress syndrome. We report here 2 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, who were diagnosed with platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome during commence-ment of rehabilitation, 18 and 9 days respectively after admission to the intensive care unit. Both patients present ...

Introduction: Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy is a progressive neuromuscular disease that leads to muscle weakness and reduced physical function. Benefits of physical therapy for people with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy have not been report-ed in the literature. Case report: A 62-year-old male patient with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy reported falling, difficulty walking and compl ...

With the increasing popularity of extreme conditioning programmes, athletes and patients are searching for new, engaging, high-intensity, total-body workouts. The sport of Hooverball is increasingly used as a workout. First devised in the USA in 1929 to keep President Hoover physically fit, Hooverball has experienced increasing popularity in the past 15 years. The game is scored like tennis and pl ...

We report a case of a Chinese man who developed retroperitoneal haemorrhage almost 1 year after surgery for pelvic fracture (1). To the best of our knowledge, this type of delayed haemorrhaging is rarely observed in clinical practice. We also review the literature to identify the common causes of retroperitoneal haemorrhage in patients undergoing surgery for pelvic fracture and to examine the aeti ...

Objective: To evaluate spasticity and below-level spinal cord injury neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury in patients with, or without, damage to the lumbar spinal cord and roots. Design/patients: Chart review of 269 patients with spinal cord injury from segments C1 to T11. Methods: Patients were interviewed concerning leg spasticity and below-level spinal cord injury neuropathic pain in ...

Respiratory and neurological complications in patients in various stages of COVID-19 emphasize the role of speech-language pathologists in the assessment and management of swallowing and communication deficits in these patients. The speech-language pathologist works within a multidisciplinary team to identify these deficits, and aims to improve swallowing, nutrition, hydration, speech, and quality ...

Objective: Public health legislation during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in forced transitioning to the use of remote care in order to continue the provision of pain rehabilitation worldwide. The objective of this study was to gain insight into clinicians´ initial experiences with the provision of interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation via videoconferencing. Design: Observational, cross-se ...

Objective: To describe a case of nerve kinking correlating with surgical findings in neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome in a patient with history of brachial neuritis. Thoracic outlet syndrome and brachial neuritis are briefly reviewed. Case report: A 32-year-old woman with a history of bilateral brachial neuritis presented with paraesthesias in her hand when abducting her shoulder to 45° or h ...

Objective: To verify the safety and effectiveness of manual therapy intervention using fascial therapy in adult patients with haemophilic elbow arthropathy. Methods: Prospective cohort study. A total of 28 patients with haemophilic elbow arthropathy was recruited in 3 cities in Spain. Patients received onefascial therapy session per week for 3 weeks. The dependent variables were: frequency of jo ...

Background: To determine whether adolescents with generalized hypermobility spectrum disorder/hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (G-HSD/hEDS) show changes in the level of disability, physical functioning, perceived harmfulness and pain intensity after completing multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment. Methods: Pre-test post-test design. Fourteen adole-scents with G-HSD/hEDS participated. The ...

Objective: Diagnoses of anaplastic oligodendrogliomas are rare. For cancer rehabilitation practitioners, anaplastic oligodendroglioma may impact on the development and maintenance of prescriptive exercise. Exercise interventions for healthy individuals and cancer patients have been shown to increase functional capacity, psychosocial functioning, and aspects of cognitive function. However, there is ...

Objective: It is recommended that cancer survivors incorporate physical activity into their daily lives after in-hospital rehabilitation. However, there is a lack of training programmes focusing on the specific needs of cancer survivors. TriaGO! – an 8-month intervention study of aerobic endurance training for cancer survivors was therefore examined. The training programme aims to meet the parti ...

Issues connected with the reintegration of individuals affected by severe brain injury are numerous and complex. Extensive data indicate the effectiveness of treatments based on an holistic approach, which integrates medical interventions with social programmes and offers continuity, leading to the rapid achievement of independent living outcomes and return to work. In Italy, extensive resources a ...

Objective: To investigate whether intervention to prevent falls is necessary in prior polio patients, by identifying the frequency, circumstances and consequences of falls among patients in Sweden with prior polio. Subjects: Patients with prior polio diagnosis. Methods: A falls history questionnaire was completed by patients with prior polio visiting the outpatient clinic at the Department of ...

Objective: Fabry disease, a rare X-linked disorder, can lead to exercise intolerance. In Taiwan, the cardiac variant of Fabry disease has a significantly higher prevalence than the classic variant. The cardiac variant of Fabry disease primarily involves the heart. Enzyme replacement therapy has been used to treat both variants. We aimed to study the impact of enzyme replacement therapy on exercise ...

Objective: To evaluate the effects of analgesia by sacral surface electrical stimulation on lower abdominal pain in women with primary dysmenorrhoea. Design: Explorative study. Participants: Eleven female university students, who regularly experience difficulty in their university work due to menstrual pain, or who use analgesics for more than one day each month, were recruited. Methods: Sac ...

Objective: Sleep disturbance in hospital is common. This pilot randomized controlled trial assessed a sleep clinical pathway compared with standard care in improving sleep quality, engagement in therapy and length of stay in musculoskeletal inpatient rehabilitation. Methods: Participants (n = 51) were randomized to standard care (“control”, n = 29) or sleep clinical pathway (“interv ...

Context: Serotonin syndrome is a drug-induced condition related to an increased level of serotonin in the brain, which may induce neuromuscular, auto-nomic and mental symptoms. Case report: A 40-year-old woman with hereditary spastic paraparesis (Strumpell-Lorrain disease) with an implanted intrathecal baclofen pump for severe spasticity. Two days after starting a medication known to inhibit ser ...

Objective: To determine current international practice regarding physiotherapy input for children with ataxia following surgery for posterior fossa tumour. Design: An e-survey covering the following domains: participant demographics, treatment/intervention, virtual training, intensity/timing of treatment, and aims and outcomes of physiotherapy management. Participants: Physiotherapists involve ...

Objectives: Hyper-Acute Rehabilitation Units (HARUs) provide multidisciplinary rehabilitation to patients with acute neurological injuries. This includes managing patients with tracheostomies. This is the first study of its kind to examine clinical outcomes in patients with brain injury and tracheostomy managed in a HARU. Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical outcomes in tracheostomy patie ...

Background: Creating a custom prosthetic device is challenging. The requirements of the patient’s life must be taken into consideration when manufacturing the device. After having met the requirements for an autonomous daily life, adjustments can be made for recreational activities. Subject and methods: A 67-year-old patient with an above-elbow amputation following a hunting accident want ...

Intrathecal baclofen therapy is a recognized treatment for severe spasticity. We report here a case of stiff person syndrome in Australia, treated with intrathecal baclofen followed by a rehabilitation programme with substantial clinical and functional improvements. A 59-year-old woman diagnosed with stiff person syndrome had become hoist-dependent and required full care due to severe spasticity o ...

Objective: To assess and describe the involvement of all speech subsystems, including respiration, phonation, articulation, resonance, and prosody, in an individual with cervical spinal cord injury. Methods: Detailed speech and voice assessment was performed that included Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment, cranial nerve examination, voice (perceptual and instrumental) and nasometric evaluation, and ...

Objective: To examine the feasibility and practicality of whole body vibration therapy for individuals with dystonic or spastic dystonic cerebral palsy. Design: Pilot study. Subjects: Children and adults with dystonic or spastic dystonic cerebral palsy. Methods: Study participants received total body vibration therapy when standing still on a vibration platform for 3 bouts, duration 3-min, o ...

Objective: To evaluate comprehensive unmet rehabilitation needs by using a novel graphic screening tool, Rehab-Compass, among individuals in the sub-acute stage after first-ever transient ischaemic attack. Methods: A pilot prospective cohort study investigated 47 individuals with first-ever transient ischaemic attack in an outpatient clinic setting. By using Rehab-Compass, based on well-validate ...

Objective: Sacral insufficiency fractures should be considered in differential diagnosis as a cause of autonomic dysreflexia and other vague symptoms in patients with spinal cord injury. Setting: The Supra Regional Tertiary Centre, Midlands Centre for Spinal Injuries, Oswestry, UK. Method: Outpatient clinic review of 2 patients with long-standing spinal cord injury presenting with vague sympto ...

Objective: Painful diabetic neuropathy is associated with low quality of life, depression and anxiety. Patients are limited in their performance of activities of daily living due to fears related to their condition. Treatment modalities are needed to help patients cope with their pain and pain-related disability. Exposure in vivo is an effective treatment in other chronic pain syndromes, increasin ...

Objective: Total knee arthroplasty is an effective surgical approach used to treat arthritis and knee trauma. Its utilization has grown, as has the accompanying financial impact, resulting in an equal need to advance physical therapy practice. One emerging approach improving patient outcomes and reducing cost is the inclusion of a preoperative physical therapy visit. The aim of this study was to q ...

Objective: Long-lasting pain is a challenge for patients’ everyday lives. The aim of this study was to examine how women and men who have participated in multimodal pain rehabilitation experience its impact in their everyday lives. Patients and methods: Individual semi-structured interviews with 5 women and 3 men who had participated in multimodal pain rehabilitation at a clinic in Sweden, ana ...

Background: Physical impairment or frailty due to sarcopaenia is common in patients with chronic kidney disease and those receiving dialysis. This study examined the association between muscle weakness and kidney function in Japanese patients with chronic kidney disease. Methods: A total of 23 stable outpatients were enrolled in the study. Several indices were used to assess muscle function; han ...

Background: The course of Parkinson's disease is characterized by gait disturbance and falls, which affect patients' quality of life and engender high healthcare costs. These factors are not greatly improved by levodopa therapy or deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nuclei. Indeed, the symptoms may even worsen with these treatment. Physiotherapy may be the most appropriate treatment to reduc ...

Objective: Gait rehabilitation is a major concern for adults with an intellectual disability or a neuropsychological disorder. This study evaluated a collective task exercise that could complement an individual rehabilitation routine in such individuals. The movements of 3 individuals (2 patients and 1 healthy individual) were measured while walking alone and in pairs. The recovery rate, amplitude ...

Osteoarthritis is a group of multiple overlapping pathological conditions that cause destruction of articular cartilage and other structures of the joint. It is a progressive disease that leads to limitations of physical activity. New forms of treatment are therefore sought to alleviate the clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis and avoid surgery. Stem cell based therapy is an emerging field in ortho ...

Background: Growth hormone deficiency is a recognized consequence of traumatic brain injury. The aim of this study was to determine adherence to human growth hormone therapy among patients with traumatic brain injury compared with patients with hypothalamic or pituitary disease. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients with traumatic brain injury referred for growth hormone stimulation ...

Objective: To compare the number of review papers published in rehabilitation journals during recent years with the number published a decade ago. Methods: PubMed search for review papers publi-shed in 7 major rehabilitation journals in 2005–2007 and 2015–2017. Results: Of the 940 review papers identified, 659 were published in 2015–2017, and 281 in 2005–2007. Two journals: Disability ...

Background: Within the practice of physical medicine, instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM) is increasing in popularity. However, the intervention is still in its infancy and important clinical issues require elucidation; among these are the effects on asymptomatic individuals. Methods: Twenty healthy males were allocated randomly to either 3 minutes of high-pressure IASTM or acti ...

Neuropathies of the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint are a well-documented cause of pain and weakness in sports people. Repetitive or excessive traction on the nerve supplying the affected muscle is believed to be the primary mechanism. We describe a case of this phenomenon in a young amateur boxer which has never been described in the literature previously. We document our hypothesis on the ...

Objective: To identify barriers to appropriate referral and treatment for patients with spasticity and present solutions that address these in a pragmatic way. Methods: Using the findings of interviews conducted with UK healthcare professionals on the management of post-stroke spasticity, a consensus meeting was held involving 7 UK spasticity experts. The panel identified barriers to timely iden ...

Objective: To evaluate the safety and outcomes of aerobic and resistance training in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation after spontaneous coronary artery dissection. Methods: Eleven patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection at 2 academic centres were studied retrospectively during cardiac rehabilitation from July 2013 to September 2017. Patients underwent maximal effort exerci ...