Disability and rehabilitation
-
Purpose: To evaluate the effects and to compare transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation protocols, alone or as additional therapy in chronic post-stroke spasticity through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Methods: Search was conducted in MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Physiotherapy Evidence Database through November 2017 (CRD42015020146). Two independent reviewers performed articles selection, data extraction and methodological quality assessment using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. ⋯ Implications for RehabilitationTranscutaneous electrical nerve stimulation as additional treatment to physical interventions can lead to additional reduction in chronic post-stroke spasticity. High and low frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation showed similar results, with a smaller numerical superiority of low frequency TENS. More studies are needed to substantiate the best protocol of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to the treatment of spasticity.
-
Purpose: To determine if quality of life is reduced in individuals with patellofemoral osteoarthritis, whether it can be improved with treatment, and potential factors associated with quality of life in individuals with patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Materials and methods: Published articles were identified by using electronic and manual searches. Studies reporting quality of life in individuals with patellofemoral osteoarthritis relative to a comparator group (e.g., no osteoarthritis) and intervention studies reporting quality of life in patellofemoral osteoarthritis following treatment relative to baseline/control group were included. ⋯ Implications for rehabilitationClinicians and researchers should consider knee-related and health-related quality of life when developing treatment strategies for patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Researchers investigating the effectiveness of a treatment should compare intervention to a control group. Addressing knee pain and functional limitations may aid in improving knee-related quality of life in individuals with patellofemoral osteoarthritis.
-
Walking is commonly recommended to relieve pain and improve function in chronic low back pain. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials concerning the effectiveness of walking interventions compared to other physical exercise on pain, disability, quality of life and fear-avoidance, in chronic low back pain. ⋯ Pain, disability, quality of life and fear-avoidance similarly improve by walking or exercise in chronic low back pain. Walking may be considered as an alternative to other physical activity. Further studies with larger samples, different walking dosages, and different walking types should be conducted. Implications for Rehabilitation Walking is commonly recommended as an activity in chronic low back pain. Pain, disability, and fear-avoidance similarly improve by walking or exercise. Adding walking to exercise does not induce greater improvement in the short-term. Walking may be a less-expensive alternative to physical exercise in chronic low back pain.
-
Review Meta Analysis
Frailty as a predictor of disabilities among community-dwelling older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Frailty has been shown to be associated with disability in the previous studies. However, it is not clear how consistently or to how much degree frailty is actually associated with the future disability risks. ⋯ This systematic review meta-analysis quantitatively showed that frail older people are at higher risks of disabilities. These results are important for all related parties given population aging worldwide. Interventions for frailty are important to prevent disability and preserve physical functions, autonomy, and quality of life. Implications for Rehabilitation Although frailty has been shown to be associated with disability and considered as a precursor of disability, it is not clear how consistently or to how much degree frailty is actually associated with the future disability risks. This systematic review and meta-analysis quantitatively shows frailty is a significant predictor of incident and worsening ADL and IADL disabilities. It is a pressing priority to develop interventions for frailty to prevent disability and preserve older people's physical functions, autonomy, and quality of life.
-
The incidence of stroke is of global concern, and the rates of recurrence are high. Many risk factors are related to lifestyle behaviours and, as such, are amenable to change. Implementation of effective secondary prevention interventions is essential; however, little is known about influences on participation and adherence. This review and meta-aggregation aimed to improve understanding of stroke survivor and family member perspectives of secondary prevention interventions. ⋯ Health professionals should consider implementing group-based secondary prevention interventions. The content of group-based secondary prevention interventions should be person-centred, i.e. meaningful and relevant to the individual. Stroke survivors and family members are more likely to comply with advice and information provided by expert and experienced health professionals.