Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jul 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyPulsed electromagnetic fields to reduce diabetic neuropathic pain and stimulate neuronal repair: a randomized controlled trial.
To determine whether repetitive and cumulative exposure to low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) targeting painful feet can reduce neuropathic pain (NP), influence sleep in symptomatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), and influence nerve regeneration. ⋯ PEMF at this dosimetry was noneffective in reducing NP. However neurobiological effects on ENFD, PGIC and reduced itching scores suggest future studies are indicated with higher dosimetry (3000-5000 G), longer duration of exposure, and larger biopsy cohort.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jun 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialRationale of the combined use of inspiratory and expiratory devices in improving maximal inspiratory pressure and maximal expiratory pressure of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
To examine the rationale of the combined use of a new expiratory device in association with a previously assessed inspiratory device in improving 3 indicators of the respiratory muscle strength, for example, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and dyspnea grade. ⋯ This study suggests that home exercise with the combined use of our expiratory and inspiratory devices leads to a significant improvement of respiratory muscle function in patients with mild to very severe COPD.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · May 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialA specific inpatient aquatic physiotherapy program improves strength after total hip or knee replacement surgery: a randomized controlled trial.
To evaluate the effect of inpatient aquatic physiotherapy in addition to usual ward physiotherapy on the recovery of strength, function, and gait speed after total hip or knee replacement surgery. ⋯ A specific inpatient aquatic physiotherapy program has a positive effect on early recovery of hip strength after joint replacement surgery. Further studies are required to confirm these findings. Our research indicates that aquatic physiotherapy can be safely considered in this early postoperative phase.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Apr 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialPreventing progression to chronicity in first onset, subacute low back pain: an exploratory study.
To evaluate the effects of a behavioral medicine intervention, relative to an attention control, in preventing chronic pain and disability in patients with first-onset, subacute low back pain (LBP) with limitations in work-role function. ⋯ Early intervention using a behavioral medicine rehabilitation approach may enhance recovery and reduce chronic pain and disability in patients with first-onset, subacute LBP. Effects are stronger for participants attending all 4 sessions and the follow-up assessment.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Apr 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialEffectiveness of prefabricated and customized foot orthoses made from low-cost foam for noncomplicated plantar fasciitis: a randomized controlled trial.
To evaluate the effectiveness of prefabricated and customized foot orthoses made from low-cost foam (ethylene vinyl acetate [EVA]) in plantar fasciitis. ⋯ The low-cost prefabricated and customized foot orthoses, as used in this trial, had similar effectiveness in the treatment of noncomplicated plantar fasciitis after 8 weeks of use. Our results were similar to other trials, although those trials did not use orthoses made from EVA. Thus, EVA prefabricated inserts may be the best choice for the treatment of plantar fasciitis without complication.