Physical therapy
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The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between the nonorganic signs (Waddell scores) of patients with low back pain, their response to repetitive end-range lumbar spine test movements (centralization of symptoms), and the rate of return to work at a 6-month follow-up. ⋯ A high Waddell score appears to be the best predictor of outcome, as indicated by return to work.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
The effectiveness of incentive spirometry with physical therapy for high-risk patients after coronary artery bypass surgery.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether the addition of incentive spirometry (IS) to postoperative pulmonary physical therapy is more effective than physical therapy alone in reducing postoperative pulmonary complications in high-risk patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Patients were given the spirometer and instructed in its use, as often occurs in clinical settings. ⋯ Incentive spirometry combined with physical therapy is no more effective than postoperative physical therapy alone in reducing atelectasis for this population. Use of the spirometer, however, was not monitored, and although the study mimicked practice as it often occurs, the effectiveness of the spirometer cannot be fully evaluated.
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Disorders of the facial neuromuscular system can result in marked disfigurement of the face and difficulties in activities of daily living such as eating, drinking, and communicating. No systematic means of measuring the disability associated with facial nerve disorders exists. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the reliability and construct validity of the Facial Disability Index (FDI), a disease-specific, self-report instrument for the assessment of disabilities of patients with facial nerve disorders. ⋯ The FDI subscales produce reliable measurements, with construct validity for measuring patient-focused focused disability of individuals with disorders of the facial motor system.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
The effect of hamstring muscle stretching on standing posture and on lumbar and hip motions during forward bending.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether stretching the hamstring muscles affects extensibility, as indicated by straight leg raising (SLR), lumbopelvic posture, and the relative amounts of lumbar and hip motion during forward bending. ⋯ The results of this study suggest that there is no relationship between hamstring muscle length and lumbopelvic posture. There was some indication, however, that stretching the hamstring muscles may affect motion during forward bending.