Physiotherapy research international : the journal for researchers and clinicians in physical therapy
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Comparative Study
Feasibility and effectiveness of pre-operative inspiratory muscle training in patients undergoing oesophagectomy: a pilot study.
Patients undergoing oesophageal surgery have a high risk for post-operative complications including pulmonary infections. Recently, physical therapy has shifted from the post-operative to the pre-operative phase to diminish post-operative complications and to shorten hospital stay. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the feasibility and initial effectiveness of pre-operative inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on the incidence of pneumonia in patients undergoing oesophagectomy. ⋯ Pre-operative IMT is feasible in patients with oesophageal carcinoma and significantly improves respiratory muscle function. This, however, did not result in a reduction of post-operative pneumonia in patients undergoing oesophagectomy.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Microcurrent therapy in the management of chronic tennis elbow: pilot studies to optimize parameters.
In microcurrent therapy (MCT), low-intensity electric current is applied to promote tissue healing and relieve symptoms. MCT is used with recalcitrant skin and bone lesions, but little is known about its effects on tendinopathy, and optimal treatment parameters are uncertain. Two studies were conducted to ascertain whether varying (i) current intensity and (ii) waveform and treatment duration affect outcomes of MCT for chronic tennis elbow. ⋯ Monophasic MCT of peak current intensity 50 μA applied for tens of hours may be effective in reducing symptoms and promoting tendon normalization in chronic tennis elbow. Hyperaemia may help predict treatment outcome. A full-scale trial of the therapy is warranted.
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Pain has been reported in cystic fibrosis (CF), but its clinical significance and the physical and psychosocial impact in adults who are clinically stable and acutely unwell have not been well described. The aim of this study was to describe the intensity and location of pain and its relationship with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and pain catastrophizing in adults with CF. ⋯ Pain is common in adults with CF, irrespective of clinical status, and may interfere with important physiotherapy treatments. Although pain intensity is generally mild, those with a negative emotional response to pain have significantly impaired HRQOL.
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Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) accounts for over 85% of all low back pain. Homogenous subgroups may exist within this diagnosis. This study derived a clinical examination and evaluated the examination's ability to identify homogenous subgroups in NSLBP. ⋯ The identification of a group of hypervigilant NSLBP patients should allow the interventions to be targeted towards this group. A valid, standardized clinical examination does contribute to the diagnostic management of NSLBP.
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Low back pain (LBP) may challenge an individual's self-confidence to perform usual daily activities such as Islamic daily prayer. Existing self-efficacy scales may not be appropriate to assess individual's self-confidence to perform Islamic prayers. ⋯ IpbSeS appears to be a reliable instrument to assess the self-confidence of Muslims in the presence of LBP to pray.