Physiotherapy
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To investigate three-dimensional angular changes of the pelvis and lower extremities during trunk axial rotation in subjects with and without chronic low back pain (LBP). ⋯ The angular change of the pelvis in the sagittal plane differed significantly between groups. Further research is needed to investigate the three-dimensional characteristics of biomechanical and neuromuscular aspects in subjects with LBP.
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It is commonly assumed that patients with chronic low back pain are less active than healthy individuals. There has been a recent increase in the number of studies published comparing the physical activity levels of patients with chronic low back pain and healthy individuals. ⋯ There is no conclusive evidence that patients with chronic low back pain are less active than healthy individuals. Based on a limited number of studies, there is some evidence that the distribution of activities over the course of a day is different between patients with chronic low back pain and controls.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of lidocaine phonophoresis on sensory blockade: pulsed or continuous mode of therapeutic ultrasound?
The optimisation of drug absorption through skin is of great value in modern therapy. Phonophoresis is the use of therapeutic ultrasound to increase percutaneous drug absorption. However, few studies have compared pulsed and continuous modes of therapeutic ultrasound. This study compared these two modes by investigating the effect of lidocaine phonophoresis on sensory blockade. Lidocaine is a common local anaesthetic drug that is used topically to relieve pain and also for minor surgery. ⋯ Pulsed ultrasound with topical lidocaine gel induced greater anaesthetic effect compared with continuous ultrasound with topical lidocaine gel and lidocaine application alone. The mechanical properties of pulsed ultrasound appear to be responsible for greater drug penetration.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A preliminary investigation into the effects of active interferential current therapy and placebo on pressure pain sensitivity: a random crossover placebo controlled study.
(1) To determine the effect of active and placebo interferential current on muscle pain sensitivity using an experimental mechanically induced pain model. (2) To evaluate the predictive role of expectations, gender, baseline muscle pain sensitivity, and intervention order on placebo response. ⋯ Active interferential was more efficient than control condition in decreasing muscle pain sensitivity. Placebo interferential was not significantly different from control. Treatment sequence demonstrated a strong association with placebo response. These findings have implications for future research characterizing and identifying placebo responders in physiotherapy.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of recognition tools for postoperative pulmonary complications following thoracotomy.
To evaluate the recognition of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) following thoracotomy and lung resection using three PPC scoring tools. ⋯ PPC treatment following thoracotomy is common. Of the three scoring tools, the MGS outperforms the BBS and the GS in terms of PPC recognition following thoracotomy and lung resection. Patients with a PPC-positive MGS score have a worse outcome as defined by mortality, high dependency unit length of stay and postoperative length of stay. The MGS is an easy-to-use multidisciplinary scoring tool, but further work is required into its use in minimally invasive surgery and in targeting high-risk groups for therapy.