European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicine
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Eur J Phys Rehabil Med · Sep 2011
Randomized Controlled TrialShort-term effects of high-intensity laser therapy versus ultrasound therapy in the treatment of low back pain: a randomized controlled trial.
Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that is highly prevalent in the general population. Management of this pathology includes numerous interventions depending on pain severity: analgesic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections. However, the effect size and duration of symptom relief are limited. Physical therapy (ultrasound [US], laser therapy, manual therapy, interferential current therapy, Back School, aerobic work, therapeutic aquatic exercise acupuncture) have been reported often with mixed results. ⋯ Our findings obtained after 15 treatment sessions with the experimental protocol suggested greater effectiveness of HILT than of US therapy in the treatment of LBP, proposing HILT as a promising new therapeutic option into the rehabilitation of LBP.
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Eur J Phys Rehabil Med · Jun 2011
Randomized Controlled TrialKinesio Taping applied to lumbar muscles influences clinical and electromyographic characteristics in chronic low back pain patients.
Kinesio Taping (KT) has proved to be effective in various musculoskeletal conditions. Although its precise working mechanism has yet to be fully understood, it is believed to interact with neuromuscular function through mechanoceptor activation. No studies designed to assess the effects of KT in chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients have yet been conducted. ⋯ KT may represent an effective adjunct therapy in the physical rehabilitation program of CLBP patients for immediate and acute pain control.
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Eur J Phys Rehabil Med · Dec 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of pilates exercises on functional capacity, flexibility, fatigue, depression and quality of life in female breast cancer patients: a randomized controlled study.
There are very few randomized controlled studies on exercise in cancer patients. Consequently, there are no guidelines available with regard to the exercises that can be recommended and difficulties are encountered in the clinical practice as to which exercise is more suitable to the patients. ⋯ This study addressed the effects of pilates exercise, as a new approach, on functional capacity, fatigue, depression and quality of life in breast cancer patients in whom there are doubts regarding the efficacy and usefulness of the exercise.
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Eur J Phys Rehabil Med · Dec 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyComparison of the use of conventional, hydrophilic and gel-lubricated catheters with regard to urethral micro trauma, urinary system infection, and patient satisfaction in patients with spinal cord injury: a randomized controlled study.
Management of the lower urinary tract is crucially important in patients with spinal cord injuries in order to prevent damage to the upper urinary tract and to preserve renal function. ⋯ The hydrophilic and gel-lubricated catheters represent an attractive alternative to standard PVC catheters for urological rehabilitation in patients with spinal cord injuries.
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Eur J Phys Rehabil Med · Sep 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialDoes short-wave diathermy increase the effectiveness of isokinetic exercise on pain, function, knee muscle strength, quality of life, and depression in the patients with knee osteoarthritis? A randomized controlled clinical study.
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful condition causing disability and muscle weakness. Shortwave diathermy (SWD) is one of several physical therapy modalities and used predominantly as a pain reduction modality in the clinical practice. However, the efficacy of SWD in knee OA is still inconclusive. ⋯ Considering the time and cost of combination therapy is now, the isokinetic exercise program, as it is efficient, may be preferable for the treatment of knee OA, alone.