Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Association Between The Amount Of Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy And The Risk Of Disability And Mortality In Patients With Ischemic Stroke, Yu-Ju Chang, Gwo-Chi Hu, Yi-Pin Chiang, Yao-Chia Chuang, Chih-Lin Kuo

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Background and Purpose: Most studies have demonstrated that rehabilitation program is able to improve functional recovery and reduce the risk of disability in patients with acute stroke. However, the relationship between the amount of the inpatient rehabilitation therapy and the risk of disability and mortality among patients with acute ischemic stroke is still unknown. The present study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between the amount of inpatient rehabilitation therapy and the risk of disability and mortality among patients with acute ischemic stroke, as well as to assess whether the association varies with respect to stroke severity Methods: We designed …

Effects Of Low-Level Laser Therapy On Matrix Metalloproteinase And Collagen Expression Of Tendon Cells, Chien-Hung Chen, Shih-Wei Hung, Jong-Hwei S. Pang, Wen-Chung Tsai, Miao-Sui Lin, Tung-Yang Yu, Hsiang-Ning Chang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Objective: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is commonly used to treat sports-related tendinopathy or tendon injury. However, scientific evidence of the effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of tendinopathy treatment remained limited. Tendon healing requires tenocyte migration to the repair site, followed by proliferation and synthesis of the extracellular matrix, including collagens. The study was designed to determine the effect of laser on the metabolism of collagen for injuried tendon repair, furthermore, become a foundation of the LLLT for tendon repair. Methods: Tendon cells from rat Achilles tendons were obtained to investigate the effect of LLLT on collagen metabolism in tendon repair. …

Effectiveness Of Stretching Of The Flexor Retinaculum With Ultrasonic Therapy In The Management Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Waqar Ahmed Awan, Muhammad Naveed Babur, Misha Ansari, Maria Liaqat

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Aims & Objective: The objective of study was to compare the effectiveness of manual stretching of the flexor retinaculum with or without ultrasonic therapy. Methods: The study was started by selecting the 50 patients from the out patients department of Al-nafees Hospital AlipurFarash and National institute of Rehabilitation Medicine Islamabad with history of carpal tunnel syndrome. The 25 patients in experimental group were treated with manual stretching of flexor retinaculum and ultrasound and 25 patients of control group were treated with manual stretching of flexor retinaculum. Every session was started by assessment of improvement of the symptoms in each patient. …

Stroke Rehabilitation In Pakistan: What We Know And What We Need To Do?, Farooq Azam Rathore, Akhtar Waheed

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Stroke is one of the leading causes of adult neurological disability all around the globe. There have been some remarkable improvements in the acute management of stroke. These include the use of thrombolysis, development of radiological investigations including computerized tomographic scan and magnetic resonance imaging and establishment of acute stroke units. There have been some promising advances the field of stroke rehabilitation as well in the last three decades.

Diagnostic Issues And Clinical Spectrum Of Childhood Degenerative Brain Diseases, Tipu Sultan, Ashfa Ameer Khan, Muhammad Arshad Khawaja, Zia Ur Rahman, Ahsan Waheed Rathore

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

To find out the spectrum of clinical presentation and typesof neurodegenerative disorders of childhoodin tertiary care child neurology centre of Pakistan. To find out the role of brain imaging in the diagnosis of degenerative brain disorders in children. Methods: It will bea retrospective, descriptive study conducted at department of paediatric neurology,The Children’s Hospital, Institute of child health, Lahore, Pakistanfrom January 1st,2004 to December 31,2013 (10 years). A total of 22,737 patients were admitted in the Paediatric Neurology department in the above said period. Out of them 366 children fulfilled the inclusion criteria. History, clinical examination and relevant investigations were evaluated …

A Case Report Of Joubert Syndrome In Adult Presenting With Seizures, Ramla Nayaib Hashmi, Umm Ul Kiram

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Joubert syndrome (JS) is rare autosomal recessive condition characterized by hypotonia, ataxia, psychomotor delay, and variable occurrence of oculomotor apraxia and neonatal breathing abnormalitie,intellectual disability, and specific mid-hindbrain malformation (“molar tooth sign”, MTS) We reportthe case of Joubert syndrome in a 32 years old female patient presenting with intellectual impairment, breathing abnormal breathing patterns like tachypnea followed by apnea ataxia, and seizures. She was diagnosed on the basis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and clinical features. JoubertSyndrome should be considered in all patients presenting with hypotonia, ataxia, nystagmus, breathing abnormalities and developmental delay. Its neuroimaging hallmarks include molar tooth sign …

Learning What High Quality Compassionate Care Means For Cancer Patients And Translating That Into Practice, Fiona Mckenzie, Katherine Joel, Charlotte Williams, Kathy Pritchard-Jones Professor

Patient Experience Journal

In 2010, UCLPartners, a partnership of health care providers and universities in North Central London, began a collaboration with local commissioners that aimed to think about cancer care and diagnosis differently. Understanding that a good patient experience can only be delivered by putting patients first and working together along their journey from symptoms to recovery, we brought clinical leaders together with patients to think about how to improve outcomes for patients, outside institutional barriers. From the very beginning this new network, an integrated cancer system, focused on understanding what mattered most to patients and organising how it worked and how …

Home-Based Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Poststroke, Stephen Isbel, Christine Chapparo, David Mcconnell, Judy Ranka

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This study examined the efficacy of a home-based Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CI Therapy) protocol with eight poststroke survivors.

Method: Eight ABA, single case experiments were conducted in the homes of poststroke survivors. The intervention comprised restraint of the intact upper limb in a mitt for 21 days combined with a home-based and self-directed daily activity regime. Motor changes were measured using The Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) and the Motor Activity Log (MAL).

Results: Grouped results showed statistically and clinically significant differences on the WMFT (WMFT [timed items]): Mean 7.28 seconds, SEM 1.41, 95% CI 4.40 – 10.18, …

“I Think Relax, Relax And It Flows A Lot Easier”: Exploring Client-Generated Relax Strategies, Dianne Cirone, Sara E. Mcewen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background. Some adult stroke survivors participating in Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) treatment programs self-generated relax strategies that have not been explored in previous CO-OP publications. The objective of this study was to describe the process by which adults with stroke used relax strategies and to explore the outcomes associated with their use.

Methods. Secondary analysis of transcripts of intervention sessions from five participants was conducted.

Results. All five participants applied relax strategies after initially observing a breakdown in performance that was attributed to increased fatigue or tension. The relax strategies used by the participants during their occupations …

Allied Health Student Clinical Placements In Residential Aged Care Facilities: Staff Opinions, Attitudes, And Support Needs, Catherine Johnston, Clint Newstead, Sarah Walmsley, Lesley Macdonald

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: As the population ages, the incidence and prevalence of chronic health issues requiring allied health management is increasing. Currently, there is an undersupply of appropriately skilled allied health professionals working in aged care. This has also been identified as a setting in which many beginning health practitioners are reluctant to seek employment. In order to address this workforce shortage, it is imperative that students are prepared for a possible future career within aged care facilities. Early clinical experience within this setting may increase student confidence, raise awareness of the need for services, and encourage students to consider working in …

Diagnostic Value Of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound In Acute And Chronic Lateral Epicondylalgia, Valentine Dones Iii, Karen Grimmer, Steven Milanese, Consuelo Suarez, Kerry Thoirs, Saravana Kumar

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: The literature suggests that abnormal sonographic findings of the common extensor origin (hypoechogenicity, neovascularity, calcifications, irregular margin, presence of adjacent fluid, irregular fibrillar pattern, thickness, tear) and of the lateral epicondyle (cortical irregularities) can be used to confirm the presence of Lateral Epicondylalgia (LE) in elbows which have been initially diagnosed using the clinical diagnosis for LE. The association of these abnormal sonographic findings and the initial clinical diagnosis for LE were studied. Methodology: The participants were recruited in Metro Manila (Philippines) through advertisements and referral by doctors and physiotherapists. LE was determined if participants reported lateral elbow pain …

Motion Characteristics Of The Vertebral Segments With Lumber Degenerative Spondylolisthesis In Elderly Patients, Hany El-Nemr, Hossam Ibrahim

Advanced Spine Journal

Background Data: Spondylolisthesis refers to the forward displacement of one vertebra relative to another. Whether degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) leads to instability was controversial in the literature. DS was conventionally considered to be instable but some papers have reported that there was no evidence that the range of motions (ROMs) of the vertebrae with DS were increased compared with normal vertebrae. Purpose: The aim of the work was to study motor characteristics of the vertebral segments with lumber degenerative spondylolisthesis in elderly patients aftersurgical management. Study Design: This is a prospective study. Patients and Methods: Thirty patients (age more than 55 …

Questions And Decisions: Application Of A Cyclical Model For Program Assessment, Cathy Bieber Parrott, Marleen Lannucci

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Expectations for public accountability, including accreditation, challenge allied health science educational programs to develop a sound program assessment plan. However, program assessment is often detached from what faculty feel is important. What is needed is a model for assessment that allows faculty to adapt assessment processes so they can ask their own questions and obtain useful findings that guide their decisions about program improvement. The purpose of this paper is to posit our model for program assessment, provide an example of implementation of the model, and discuss its value. Model Description and Implementation: Our proposed model is rooted in …

The Current Role Of Orthoptists: A Systematic Review, Jessica Stanhope, Maryanne Gregory, Karen Murphy

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This review aimed to determine the tasks performed by orthoptists, the types of patients they manage, their work settings, the professionals they work with, and the professionals they receive referrals from and refer to. Methods: A systematic search of seven databases was conducted to identify all studies regarding the role of orthoptists that were published in English in peer-reviewed journals from January 2003 to January 2013. Reference lists of all included studies, as well as studies regarding ocular conditions which were excluded as they did not specifically report the role of orthoptists, were screened manually to identify additional relevant …

Physiotherapy Management Of Post-Operative Breast Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Study, Dragana Cepmja, Katherine Maka

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Post-operative breast cancer patients receive physiotherapy to improve range of motion, reduce pain, and increase strength. The aim of this study was to provide qualitative information about which techniques are utilised by physiotherapists in the management of post-operative breast cancer patients in a hospital physiotherapy outpatient department setting in Western Sydney, Australia. Method: Common interventions were listed on a survey and physiotherapists were asked to select which treatment interventions they used and the frequency of use. Results: A total of 20 surveys were completed out of 25 disseminated. The most commonly used intervention was stretches with 100% of respondents …

An Overview Of Cancer Rehabilitation And Exercise In The Literature: Promoting Increased Referrals To Improve Oncology Outcomes, Leslie J. Waltke

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Medical management for malignant neoplastic diseases includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal and biological therapies. Each of these antineoplastic interventions has unique impacts on physiological, musculoskeletal and functional performance. Cancer rehabilitation is the area of physical medicine responsible for addressing impairments associated with cancer treatment and survivorship, advanced disease and end of life. Although it is expected that more than one-half of persons being treated for cancer will suffer moderate pain and physical and functional decline, and that most will describe fatigue, referrals to rehabilitation are traditionally low. Evidence suggests that referrals to rehabilitation before, during and after treatment for …

Occupational Therapy After Myocardial Or Cerebrovascular Infarction: Which Factors Influence Referrals?, Julia Drosselmeyer, Achim Jockwig, Karel Kostev, Christina Heilmaier

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Cardiovascular diseases remain the number one cause of death worldwide, and many survivors suffer lasting disabilities. Occupational therapy can help such patients regain as much function as possible. However, little is known about the factors influencing referrals to occupational therapy after stroke or myocardial infarction (MI).

Method: Data from the IMS Disease Analyzer^® database were observed for a three-year period. The study population included 7,440 patients who were examined by a cardiologist due to stroke or MI. In addition to baseline characteristics, the presence of certain cardiovascular risk factors or comorbidities was recorded. Cox regression analyses were performed …

National Conference Of Liga Medicorum Homoeopathica Internationalis (Indian Chapter) 2014 Marks New Vistas In Homoeopathy Research, Suniti Chugh, Ritika Narula

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

India hosted its first National Conference of Liga Medicorum Homoeopathica Internationalis (LMHI) in New Delhi on 24 th -25 th May 2014. "Homoeopathy Success Stories through Basic and Fundamental Research and in Paediatric Disorders" was the premise of the conference. With 37 oral presentations, the conference brought around 350 delegates and eminent speakers from all over the nation to a common platform. The leading speakers deliberated on topics which demonstrated the sound progress being made in the field of Homoeopathy. Researchers, academicians and practitioners got the opportunity to share their experiences, ideas and information through this venture. The present report …

Establishing Normative Values For The Barnett Balance Assessment Tool: A Preliminary Study, Monica L. Cercone, Katherine M. Grulke-Kidd, Alora S. Haskin, Kyle M. Medearis, Clarissa J. Wegner, Ellen Herlache-Pretzer

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The purpose of this study was to establish normative data for the Barnett Balance Assessment (BBA) for individuals ages 18-70+ years. The BBA is a newly developed assessment tool that may address limitations present in other assessments currently used to detect balance deficits. The BBA was administered to 141 participants who had no history of medical issues that could impact balance. A review of the normative data collected indicated little variation in total assessment scores in the age categories of 18-29, 30-39, and 40-49, due to the presence of a ceiling effect. Variations existed in scores among participants in the …

Variants And Variations Among Gullian Barre Syndrome Presenting As Acute Flaccid Paralysis, Alam Ibrahim Siddiqui, Ghulam Rasool Bouk, Lal Chand, Sarfraz Ahmed Mahesar, Ghulam Mustafa Tunio

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) is a clinical syndrome characterized by rapid onset of weakness that frequently includes respiratory and bulbar weakness. An accurate and early diagnosis of the cause has important bearing on the management and prognosis. Guillian Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a post infectious polyradiculoneuropathy involving mainly motor but sometimes sensory and autonomic nerves.

Professional Behavior In Physical Therapist Educational Programs: Perspectives Of Selected Senior Faculty, Tamara L. Phelan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze how selected senior instructors in physical therapist educational programs define and seek to impart information on professional behavior. Methods: A qualitative case study approach was used to gather data from eight instructors teaching in four physical therapist educational programs in a selected region. Each interview was analyzed as an individual case study, followed by a cross case analysis to identify common themes. Results: Interpretational analysis using a process of constant comparison revealed nine common themes: 1) Instructors found it difficult to broadly define professional behavior. 2) Instructors expect students to be …

Assimilation Of The Patient Rights Law And Code Of Ethics Into Israeli Physical Therapy Services, Tamar Jacob, Ilana Zilberstein

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

The ethical conduct of physical therapists is usually based on intuition rather than on theoretical knowledge. This study aimed to examine to what degree rules of ethics anchored in the Patient Rights Law and in the Physical Therapy Code of Ethics in Israel have been assimilated in physical therapy (PT) services. A qualitative study based on personal semi structured interviews with national directors of PT services in Israel was conducted. The directors think that the ethical conduct of physical therapists is based mainly on intuition and on self-perceived ethics rather than on learned principles. In their opinion, the Patient Rights …

Community Peer-Led Exercise Groups: Reasons For Success, Linda Robertson, Beatrice Hale, Debra Waters, Leigh Hale, Alexa Andrew

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This paper considers reasons for the successful maintenance of community based, falls-prevention programs. While the physical achievement of such programs has been demonstrated through randomized trials, other features influential in ongoing membership have received less attention. This study examined the sustainability of a specific model of a community-based program in a New Zealand city: SAYGO, the strength and balance classes for older adults lead by older volunteer leaders recruited from local communities. Method: A qualitative, descriptive approach was used and first-hand knowledge of the experiences of those involved in the groups gathered. Data collection methods included individual interviews of …

A Rare Case Of Myasthenia Gravis With Coexisting Muscular Dystrophy, Sommayya Aftab, M Haroon Hamid, Tipu Sultan

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies are directed against postsynaptic membrane of neuromuscular junction, resulting in muscle weakness and fatigability. We report a rare case of an 11 years old boy who was a known case of myasthenia gravis presented with progressive weakness and wasting of facial and limb musculature and was found to have coexisting muscular dystrophy most like facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD).

The Perioperative Enhancing Factors That Might Help The Postmenopausal Women Tolerate The Spinal Implants, Akram Awadalla, Bashar Assar, Yassin Mustafa, Hosnia Ragab

Advanced Spine Journal

Background Data: Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration, with a consequent increase in bone fragility. Moreover, it is a condition that is both preventable and treatable if caught in time. Purpose: Evaluation the different perioperative enhancing factors available that mightincrease spinal fixation success rate in low bone density postmenopausal women. Study Design: retrospective analysis of a case series. Patients and Methods: Between May 2011 and May 2013, twenty four low bone density post-menopausal women were included in this retrospective study. All of them were admitted at KSMH-Hospital-Tabouk. During that period, they had …

Multi-Level Acdf Using Standalone Peek Cages For The Treatment Of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Clinical And Radiological Assessment., Yasser Allam, Tarek Al-Feki

Advanced Spine Journal

Background Data: Degenerative cervical myelopathy is a complex neurologic disorder that usually develops insidiously, although abrupt deterioration in function can occur. The natural history of cervical myelopathy is highly variable,with some patients having progressive disability, whereas others have a mild course. The treatment of cervical myelopathy may be conservative or surgical, depending on the severity of symptoms at initial examination.Purpose: The aim of this work is to assess the clinical improvement as well as the bony fusion in patients with cervical myelopathy treated by multi-level ACDF using stand-alone PEEK cages.Study design: clinical_studyPatients and Methods: The material of this study consisted …

Perceptions Of Assessment Among Undergraduate And Postgraduate Students Of Four Health Science Disciplines, Wayne J. Wilson, Anne Bennison, Wendy Arnott, Clair Hughes, Rosemary Isles, Jenny Strong

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

The use of different types of assessment to improve student learning needs to be balanced with reports that student perception, rather than the objective features of the task, significantly influences how students approach learning. The present study surveyed 492 undergraduate and postgraduate students from four health science disciplines (occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology, and audiology) at a large Australian university on how helpful different types of assessment had been in assisting their learning. Between 73.4% and 90.4% of the students valued practical exams, individual tasks, written assignments, and written exams requiring application of knowledge. Between 29.1% and 59.7% of the …

Genetic Engineering And The Pursuit Of Human Perfection, K. C. Pugh

CedarEthics: A Journal of Critical Thinking in Bioethics

The idea of perfection has always captivated the attention of people across the ages. Whether in the form of gods, nature, or role models, people have always looked towards some form of the purest ideal. Perfection is not a novel idea by any means; however, it is only in recent years that human beings have actually sought to achieve it.

Students’ Experiences In Interdisciplinary Problem-Based Learning: A Discourse Analysis Of Group Interaction, Rintaro Imafuku, Ryuta Kataoka, Mitsuori Mayahara, Hisayoshi Suzuki, Takuya Saiki

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

Interdisciplinary problem-based learning (PBL) aims to provide students with opportunities to develop the necessary skills to work with different health professionals in a collaborative manner. This discourse study examined the processes of collective knowledge construction in Japanese students in the tutorials. Analyses of video-recorded data elicited from three multidisciplinary cohorts and their learning portfolios provided insights into their participation and introspection during the discussions. The results indicate there were two patterns of knowledge construction: (a) co-constructions between students from different disciplines and (b) elaborations between students from the same discipline. Their learning processes were mediated by their cultural assumptions, professional …

Hippotherapy As A Tool For Improving Motor Skills, Postural Stability, And Self Confidence In Cerebral Palsy And Multiple Sclerosis, Sarah A. Long

Sound Neuroscience: An Undergraduate Neuroscience Journal

Hippotherapy utilizes the three dimensional movement of the horse to improve balance, strength, coordination, and postural symmetry in those with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, or related neuromuscular disorders. The forward, side-to-side, and rotational movement of the horse provides the rider with different sensory cues to help improve gait. While this therapy is a passive exercise for the patient, the individual must engage the core muscles to sit upright along with making small corrections due to the constant movement of the horse to help with postural stability and strengthening. Ultimately, understanding how affected brain areas lead to symptoms in those with …