Physiotherapy theory and practice
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Physiother Theory Pract · May 2017
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyA randomized trial to determine the duration of analgesia following a 15- and a 30-minute application of acupuncture-like TENS on patients with chronic low back pain.
Acupuncture-like TENS (AL-TENS) has been shown to produce prolonged pain relief, but no study has yet investigated its duration on a population suffering from chronic low back pain (CLPB). ⋯ Our results suggest that clinicians could use a 15-minute AL-TENS application to provide significant analgesia in patients presenting with low back pain since if provides a comparable analgesia versus a 30-minute application.
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Physiother Theory Pract · Mar 2017
ReviewNon-pharmacological conservative therapy for phantom limb pain: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
The aim of this manuscript was to investigate the effectiveness of conservative therapy for phantom limb pain (PLP). In this systematic review, CINAHL, AMED, the Cochrane database of systematic reviews, PEDro, psychology and behavioral sciences collection, and MEDLINE were systematically searched for appropriate randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Selected papers were assessed for risk of bias, and evidence was graded using the GRADE approach. ⋯ Limb liner discomfort was the only adverse effect identified. This review identifies a range of conservative therapies, many of which demonstrate preliminary evidence of potential with respect to clinically worthwhile effects above control interventions and few, if any, adverse effects. However, there is a paucity of high-quality evidence upon which to make any firm clinical conclusions.
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Physiother Theory Pract · Feb 2017
The scope of physiotherapy services provided in public ICUs in Greece: A pilot study.
The aim of the present study was to determine the scope of physiotherapy services provided in Greek ICUs in Athens. A cross-sectional study was conducted with two postal questionnaires administered separately, one for ICU directors and one for ICU physiotherapists. Responses were received from 19 ICU directors and 103 physiotherapists employed in all the adult public mixed medical and surgical ICUs across Athens. ⋯ All 103 physiotherapists conducted airway clearance techniques and progressive mobilization, 92/103 (89.3%) were involved in extubating patients, 102/103 (99.0%) in passive and active range of motion exercises, and 61/103 (59.2%) in walking. In conclusion, all Greek ICUs in Athens surveyed had physiotherapy cover. The physiotherapists working in these ICUs in Athens were involved in respiratory care and mobilization.
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Physiother Theory Pract · Feb 2017
Clinical TrialThe effect of foot plantar massage on balance and functional reach in patients with type II diabetes.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of manual foot plantar massage (classic and friction massage) on functional mobility level, balance, and functional reach in patients with type II diabetes mellitus (T2 DM). ⋯ The results of our study indicated that application of plantar massage to patients with T2 DM caused an improvement in balance, functional mobility, and functional reach values. An increase in body balance and functional mobility may explain the improvement in TUG. Foot massage to be added to rehabilitation exercise programs of DM patients will be important in improving balance and mobility of patients.
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Physiother Theory Pract · Jan 2017
Changes in cervical movement impairment and pain following orofacial treatment in patients with chronic arthralgic temporomandibular disorder with pain: A prospective case series.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of isolated temporomandibular joint (TMJ) manual therapy on pain and range of motion (ROM) of the TMJ and cervical spine including flexion-rotation test (FRT) in people suffering chronic pain arising from chronic arthralgic temporomandibular disorder (TMD). An experienced clinician managed a case series of 12 patients with TMD (mean duration 28.6 months +/- 26.9). The intervention comprised four-weekly sessions of transverse medial accessory TMJ mobilization and advice. ⋯ After the intervention, five patients (41.66%) had no pain at rest or at maximal mouth opening, and all had a negative FRT. The effect sizes indicate a moderate to strong, clinically significant effect for all variables apart from total cervical ROM. While a case series cannot identify a cause and effect relationship, these results provide preliminary evidence for the influence of TMJ manual therapy on measures of TMD including pain, as well as upper but not whole cervical movement and associated pain in patients with a diagnosis of TMJ arthralgia.