Physiotherapy theory and practice
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Physiother Theory Pract · Feb 2011
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyImplementing one standardized rehabilitation protocol following autologous chondrocyte implantation or microfracture in the knee results in comparable physical therapy management.
The major aim of the study was (1) to compare the physiotherapy management in patients treated with autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) versus microfracture (MF) at the knee using a standardized rehabilitation protocol; and (2) to investigate the effect of activities in low-load conditions after surgery on the functional recovery was explored. ⋯ Overall, the compliance post-surgery with the rehabilitation protocol was excellent and the applied rehabilitation was comparable in both treatment groups. A high amount of low-load activities post-surgery appears beneficial for the objective functional outcome.
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Physiother Theory Pract · Nov 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialThe use of sensory electrical stimulation for pressure ulcer prevention.
Pressure ulcer prevention is critically important for many people with reduced mobility. The authors investigated whether sensory (sub-motor-threshold) electrical stimulation (ES) may provide a convenient preventive intervention. A double-blinded, repeated measures study design was used to test the hypothesis that repeated use of sensory surface ES improves tissue health status in individuals with motor paralysis. ⋯ Thus subthreshold ES does not appear to have any sustained effects on tissue health status indicative of reduced pressure ulcer risk for individuals with SCI. This implies that a contractile muscle response is critically important and further that subthreshold ES is unlikely to prevent pressure ulcers. Further studies are needed to find solutions for preventing pressure ulcers in high-risk populations.
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Physiother Theory Pract · Aug 2010
Comparative StudyInspiratory flow rate, not type of incentive spirometry device, influences chest wall motion in healthy individuals.
This study investigated the effect of flow rates and spirometer type on chest wall motion in healthy individuals. Twenty-one healthy volunteers completed breathing trials to either two times tidal volume (2xV(T)) or inspiratory capacity (IC) at high, low, or natural flow rates, using a volume- or flow-oriented spirometer. The proportions of rib cage movement to tidal volume (%RC/V(T)), chest wall diameters, and perceived level of exertion (RPE) were compared. ⋯ RPE was lower for the low flow trials compared to high flow trials at IC and 2xV(T) (p<0.01). In healthy individuals, inspiratory flow (not device type) during incentive spirometry determines the resultant breathing pattern. High flow rates result in greater chest wall motion than low flow rates.
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Physiother Theory Pract · Aug 2010
Case ReportsPrehabilitation versus usual care before total knee arthroplasty: A case report comparing outcomes within the same individual.
This case report compared pre- and postoperative functional ability, knee strength, and pain of a female who underwent two separate total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedures. The female patient was part of a larger research study. The first surgery on the right knee was preceded with usual care and the second surgery on the left knee was preceded by prehabilitation. ⋯ For this patient, prehabilitation increased functional ability and strength prior to surgery. Gains in strength were maintained in the nonsurgical knee after surgery. These findings indicate that prehabilitation may be effective at facilitating the rehabilitation following a TKA.
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Physiother Theory Pract · Jul 2010
Comparative StudyReliability of shoulder range of motion comparing a goniometer to a digital level.
The clinical use of digital levels, for joint measurement, may be a viable alternative to standard goniometry. The purpose of this study was to determine the intra- and intertester reliability of a construction grade digital level compared to the standard universal goniometer for measurements for active assisted shoulder range of motion (ROM). Two experienced physical therapists measured shoulder flexion, external rotation (ER), and internal rotation (IR) ROM bilaterally, on two different occasions, in 20 patients (9 males, 11 females, 18-79 years old) with unilateral shoulder pathology, using a goniometer and a digital level. ⋯ On the basis of the average intratester LOA for the goniometer and the digital level, a change of 6-11 degrees is needed to be certain that true change has occurred. For comparison of measures made by two different therapists, a change is of 15 degrees is required to be certain a true change has occurred. A digital level can be used to reliably measure shoulder ROM but should not be used interchangeably with a standard goniometer.