ISSN:0894-9115    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1997

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Sympathetic skin response (SSR) has been developed recently as a method of capturing the autonomic nerve response as a parameter of the sweat gland function. In this study, our aim was to obtain the normal values with regard to both amplitude and latency of SSR from 50 healthy subjects and to find out the habituation mode, which is one of the most characteristic phenomena of SSR. The measurements were recorded from the hand and foot by rectangular waveform electric stimulation. The correlation coefficient regarding hand and foot leads, amplitude, and latency were studied at normal values. The result was that no significant difference could be observed between the left and right leads with regard to amplitude and latency recorded from the hand and foot leads. However, between hand and foot leads, a significant difference was observed for both latency and amplitude. As for the habituation, electric stimulations were also applied to 20 healthy subjects (age range, 21-62 yr) in the same manner as that used in taking the normal values. For the latency and amplitude of the response in association with the stimulation trials (Rn), the mean values of the hand as well as the foot were determined by averaging the values recorded from both hands and both feet of the 20 subjects. These values were designated as the latency and the amplitude of the hand and foot from R1 to R15. The changes observed in response to the transition in the number of stimulations were statistically evaluated as a gradual decrease in the amplitude. This phenomenon is thought to be a result of learning. On the basis of the 15 consecutive stimulations, a decrease in amplitude to the 7th and 8th stimulations and constancy in the results thereafter was observed, although minor differences in the results were apparent between the hand and foot leads.

ISSN:0894-9115    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1997

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

The Medical Rehabilitation Follow Along (MRFATM) is a brief outpatient functional assessment measure that was developed using Rasch analysis. The MRFA currently has musculoskeletal, neurologic, multiple sclerosis, cardiac, and pulmonary forms. Using Rasch scoring and selected scales, the 31-item musculoskeletal form of the MRFA was compared with and contrasted to a measure of general health status, the Medical Outcomes Trust SF-36. Content, construct, and criterion validity were addressed using scale scores before and after outpatient rehabilitation, as well as therapist ratings of improvement. The results supported the validity of inferences made from the MRFA scales using Rasch measures for persons with musculoskeletal problems. Rasch and raw scoring provided similar results with respect to the validity of the MRFA scales. Implications for the use of Rasch and raw scoring approaches with the MRFA are discussed.

ISSN:0894-9115    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1997

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

We previously reported that the median sensory nerve action potentials (SNAP) increased in amplitude during ipsilateral abductor pollicis brevis contraction.1The objectives of the present project were to study the timing and origin of this phenomenon and to eliminate the possibility of local artifact. Ten normal subjects were recruited. The baseline was established using ten threshold stimuli, which were delivered to the median nerve at the wrist at 0.2 Hz. Using the same stimulus strength, the SNAP was recorded while the tibialis anterior was contracted at 25, 50, 75, and 100% of maximum force. Responses were signal-averaged. Results showed an increase in ipsilateral SNAP amplitude between baseline and maximum contraction of 6 ± 2 μV (standard error,P= 0.004) and contralateral amplitude of 8 ± 2 μV (standard error,P= 0.01). Statistical analysis was performed with analysis of variance for repeated measures and pairedttest. The effect peaked between 0 and 10 min after contraction and lasted from 1.5 to more than 20 min after muscle relaxation. In conclusion, SNAP appear to be enhanced during and after muscle contraction. Theories concerning underlying causes for this event are discussed.

ISSN:0894-9115    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1997

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

A new design of cervical traction modality with closed loop traction weight control based on electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback was developed. It consists of the development of a high signal-to-noise ratio EMG scanner, on-line self-adjusted traction weight controller, computer interface hardware, and closed loop biofeedback control software. Six healthy, young adults received conventional cervical traction to establish basic information of cervical EMG activities. Twenty-four patients with cervical radiculopathy were randomly divided into two groups for clinical assessment by conventional and new EMG biofeedback traction modality.The average electromyographic activity in healthy subjects ranged from 2.41 to 3.49 μV, whereas EMG activity in patients with neck pain ranged from 4.75 to 6.97 μV. There was a significant decrease of EMG activity during the whole traction phase, especially at pull phase in healthy subjects, but it was not as significant in patients with cervical radiculopathy. There was no significant change of myoelectric activity in the paraspinal muscles at vertebral levels C1-2, C3-4, and C5-6.Comparison of the average EMG activity of the paraspinal C-5 muscle in different phases of cervical traction showed a more significant decrease of EMG activity during the pull phase of traction as well as after traction in the high muscle tension group (with EMG activity above 5 μV), especially with the biofeedback traction modality. The raised traction force from start to optimum was shortened from 4 to 2 wk to achieve the same effective outcome by biofeedback as conventional traction modality.

ISSN:0894-9115    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1997

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Consumer and rehabilitation provider factors that might limit employment opportunities for 154 individuals with six slowly progressive neuromuscular diseases (NMD) were investigated. The NMDs were spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), hereditary motor sensory neuropathy (HMSN), Becker's muscular dystrophy (BMD), facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), myotonic muscular dystrophy (MMD), and limb-girdle syndrome (LGS).Forty percent were employed in the competitive labor market at the time of the study, 50% had been employed in the past, and 10% had never been employed. The major consumer barrier to employment was education. Other important factors were type of occupation, intellectual capacity, psychosocial adjustment, and the belief by most individuals that their physical disability was the only or major barrier to obtaining a job. Psychological characteristics were associated with level of unemployment. However, physical impairment and disability were not associated with level of unemployment.There also were differences among the types of NMDs. Compared with the SMA, HMSN, BMD, and FSHD groups, the MMD and LGS groups had significantly higher levels of unemployment, lower educational levels, and fewer employed professional, management, and technical workers. Nonphysical impairment factors such as a low percentage of college graduates, impaired intellectual function in some individuals, and poor psychological adjustment were correlated with higher unemployment levels in the MMD group. Unemployment in the LGS group was correlated with a failure to complete high school.Major provider barriers to employment were the low level of referrals to Department of Rehabilitation by physicians and the low percentage of acceptance into the State Department of Rehabilitation. The low rate of acceptance was primarily attributable to the low number of referrals compounded by a lack of counselor experience with individuals with NMD. Both consumer and provider barriers may contribute to the lack of interest in obtaining a job.

ISSN:0894-9115    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1997

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

The continuously growing segment of the geriatric population with the high incidence and prevalence of comorbidity and disability suggests that enhanced preventive and rehabilitative programs will be mandatory. The early arrangement of comprehensive assessment and rehabilitation services is extremely important not only in preventing the decline of patients in the acute care settings and successive prolonged care before discharge, but also in improving functional status at discharge. We have considered the effectiveness of a rehabilitation program in acute medical care of the elderly. This article discusses a pilot project being carried out at Catholic University Hospital “A. Gemelli” of Rome.

ISSN:0894-9115    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1997

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Effects of intra-articular triamcinolone acetonide on pain and passive range of motion (ROM) in the painful hemiplegic shoulder were studied. A Multiple baseline (or AB) design across seven subjects was used. The length of the baseline condition (or A phase) was either 2 or 3 wk, and randomized across subjects. Subsequently, a treatment condition (or B phase) of 4 wk was applied during which three intra-articular injections of triamcinolone acetonide were administered at day 1, 8, and 22. Pain and ROM were the primary outcome parameters and were measured three times each week by means of a visual analogue scale (VAS) and a fluid-filled goniometer, respectively. In addition, a number of secondary outcome parameters were assessed, i.e., spastic muscle activity (Ashworth scale), motor function (Fugl-Meyer index), upper limb function (action research arm test) and signs and symptoms of a shoulder hand syndrome (clinical scoring list). Statistical analysis of the combined time series showed significant effects on pain (P= 0.025). Analysis of the individual time series revealed that five out of seven patients had significant reduction of pain. ROM improved significantly in four out of seven patients. However, improvement of ROM did not reach significance at the group level (P= 0.13). None of the secondary parameters showed significant changes. The correlation coefficient between upper limb function (ARA) at intake and size of treatment effect approached a level of significance (P= 0.09). The results indicate that intra-articular triamcinolone may be of benefit in reducing hemiplegic shoulder pain.

ISSN:0894-9115    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1997

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

The predictive power of clinical symptoms in the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was assessed using a retrospective design. The sample consisted of 61 rehabilitation patients who were referred for Doppler ultrasonography. Patients had a mean age of 60.6 (standard deviation, 18.4) years. Clinical measures documenting presence of swelling, warmth, fever, and lower limb asymmetry (>2.5 cm) were correlated with the outcome of venous duplex Doppler examinations. Clinical symptoms had low sensitivity (0.07-0.33) but generally higher specificity (0.76-0.85) for DVT. Positive predictive power was lowest for fever (0.08) and highest for swelling (0.66). Prevalence rates for DVT were greatest (0.41) in patients presenting with multiple symptoms. Results suggest clinical predictors of DVT remain elusive. A high rate of false-positives based on clinical findings from examination is acceptable given the low risk associated with ultrasonography and the clear benefit of early diagnosis of DVT.

ISSN:0894-9115    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1997

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Physical activity in children is important, both for its direct benefits and for establishing potentially lasting future behaviors. Understanding the development of back strength in children is also important, because decreased back strength is associated with low back pain in adults. We hypothesized the following: (1) a substantial percentage of children do not participate in adequate physical activity; (2) the development of back strength corresponds to the development of strength of appendicular muscles; (3) there is a positive relationship between physical activity and back strength. The study included 53 boys and 43 girls, aged 10 to 19 yr, who had undergone isometric strength testing 4 yr previously. From responses to a questionnaire, each child's level of physical and sedentary activity was calculated. Isometric back flexion and extension were measured with the same method used 4 yr previously. Statistical analyses were performed, including quadratic regressions to estimate the rate of increase in strength, height, and weight. The following results were found: (1) during the month before testing, 21 children participated in physical activity for less than 30 min/day; (2) the level of physical activity was significantly associated with back flexion and back extension (P= 0.03 for both); (3) the peak rate of increase in back strength occurred approximately 1 yr after the peak rate of increase in height. We conclude the following: (1) measures should be taken to increase the involvement of children in athletic activities; 2) physical activity may be important in the development of back strength; (3) the pattern of back strength development seems to be the same as that for development of muscles of the appendicular skeleton.

ISSN:0894-9115    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1997

数据来源: OVID