Scandinavian journal of rehabilitation medicine
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Scand J Rehabil Med · Mar 1998
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialPressure algometry in healthy subjects: inter-examiner variability.
The purpose of this study was to estimate inter-examiner reliability of head and neck algometry. Pain perception thresholds were assessed with a mechanical pressure algometer in 21 healthy individuals. Thresholds were assessed at 13 symmetrical points on each side of the head and neck, at the deltoid muscle and at the median finger. ⋯ Inter-examiner reliability of side differences was excellent, with CR = 1.23 kg/cm2. In conclusion, manual algometry with a rather inexpensive mechanical device has a good to excellent inter-rater reliability. When studying patients, however, the possible bias introduced by different examiners should be taken into account, both regarding study design and data analysis.
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Scand J Rehabil Med · Jun 1997
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialComparison of three intensive programs for chronic low back pain patients: a prospective, randomized, observer-blinded study with one-year follow-up.
In a randomized, blinded study, we compared the outcome from a full-time functional restoration program with the outcome from shorter active rehabilitation programs for patients with chronic, disabling low back pain. The study initially included 132 patients, randomized into one of three treatment programs: (1) an intensive 3-week multidisciplinary program; (2) active physical training and back school; or (3) psychological pain management and active physical training. Nine of the randomized patients never started in any program, so the studied population consisted of 123 patients. ⋯ There was no significant difference between Programs 2 and 3 in most of these parameters. As for sick leave and leg pain, there was no significant difference between Programs 1 and 2, although a difference was observed when comparing Program 3 with each of the other two. Conclusively, it seems that there is human, as well as economical, benefit from a functional restoration program compared to less intensive programs for these patients.
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Scand J Rehabil Med · Jan 1991
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialPulsed ultrasound treatment in lateral epicondylalgia.
This study was carried out to explore the pain-alleviating effect of pulsed ultrasound in lateral epicondylalgia. Forty-five patients were consecutively assigned at random to two groups for pulsed ultrasound or placebo. The parameters for ultrasound were 1 MHz; 1:4; 1 W/cm2. ⋯ Follow-ups were done after three and twelve months. The statistical analysis showed no significant differences in relation to subjective or objective outcomes between the groups after the treatment period or at the follow-ups. Our results do not support the use of pulsed ultrasound treatment with the chosen parameters in lateral epicondylalgia.
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Scand J Rehabil Med · Jan 1990
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialA controlled study on the outcome of inpatient and outpatient treatment of low back pain. Part III. Long-term follow-up of pain, disability, and compliance.
The long-term outcome results of inpatient and outpatient treatment of low back pain (LBP) were studied in 476 subjects (aged 35-54, 63% men) randomly assigned to three study groups: inpatients (n = 157), outpatients (n = 159), and controls (n = 160). The study included changes in the severity of low back pain, grade and disability, compliance with self-care, data on disability pensions, and days of sickness allowance during a 2.5-year follow-up period. These variables were used as outcome criteria. ⋯ During the whole 2.5-year follow-up compliance with self-care was better in the two treated groups, especially in the inpatients. Days of sickness allowance had increased somewhat more in the controls than in the inpatients during the follow-up. No differences between the groups were found in the number of disability pensions granted.