Disability and rehabilitation
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Clinicians commonly believe that lower extremity amputations are potentially preventable with coordinated care and motivated patient self-management. We used in-depth interviews with recent amputees to assess how patients viewed their initial amputation risk and causes. ⋯ Most patients felt out of control and had a poor understanding of the events leading to their initial amputations. Prevention of subsequent amputations will require rehabilitation programs to address low health literacy and psychosocial obstacles to self-management.
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Individuals with sensory modulation disorder (SMD) demonstrate abnormal responses to naturally occurring stimuli in a manner that interferes with daily life activities. This study is the first study applying quantitative sensory testing to characterize the somatosensory sensitivity of adults with SMD. ⋯ These results are in line with our previous study that investigated children with SMD using the same stimuli, and found similar results. We suggest a CNS involvement as the underlying mechanisms in SMD.
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To use quantitative data characterizing whiplash-associated disorder (WAD)-related pain beliefs over time to develop qualitative analysis exploring experiences informing these beliefs. ⋯ Restitution was the dominant underlying pattern of belief endorsement. While this may be adaptive early after WAD, it is problematic for meaning construction later on. Based on contemporary views on pain, identification of this narrative is important as it represents an incompatibility in the conceptualization of pain between patient and provider.
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To investigate factors associated with post-traumatic growth (PTG) 13 years after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to see if PTG had remained consistent between 11 and 13 years after injury. ⋯ • People with TBI do perceive benefits or post-traumatic growth (PTG), after time, which once established remains stable.• Factors such as having a sense of "meaning" and "purpose", are predictors of PTG.• Social support, activity such as work, new and stable relationships, a shift toward spiritual values, and milder disability are also associated with PTG.• Clinicians can focus effort into supporting these developments.]
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Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating condition characterized by a number of symptoms which typically worsen following minimal exertion. Various strategies to manage the limited energy levels have been proposed. Of these, pacing has been consistently rated as one of the most helpful in surveys conducted by patient groups. This review is a response to the paucity of the information on pacing in the scientific literature. ⋯ Pacing offers practitioners an additional therapeutic option which is acceptable to the majority of patients and can reduce the severity of the exertion-related symptoms of ME/CFS.