Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Tactile Thresholds Are Preserved Yet Complex Sensory Function Is Impaired Over The Lumbar Spine Of Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain Patients: A Preliminary Investigation, Benedict M. Wand, Flavia Di Pietro, Pamela George, Neil E. O'Connell

Physiotherapy Conference Papers

Evidence indicates that chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is associated with alteration in the brain’s cortical representation of the back, resulting in body perception disturbance and contributing to the condition [1,2]. This study investigated perception via ‘cortical’ sensory tests, in this case two-point discrimination and graphaesthesia—whose results partly depend on the integrity of cortical representation [2]. The hypothesis was dysfunction in these higher-order tasks, with simple tactile thresholds remaining unchanged. Furthermore a relationship between cortical sensation and severity of the condition was predicted.

Patient Satisfaction With Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Care In Australia Is High, Vivian Yung, Martin Mackey, Benedict M. Wand, Roger Adams, Roger Nelson, Paul Beattie, Julia Hush

Physiotherapy Conference Papers

Patient satisfaction is an important outcome of care and is intrinsically valuable to clinicians. The level of patient satisfaction with musculoskeletal physiotherapy care in Australia is unknown. Increased understanding of patient satisfaction will benefit patients by facilitating clinicians to optimise clinical service delivery.

Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Techniques For Chronic Pain. A Cochrane Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Neil E. O'Connell, Louise Marston, Benedict M. Wand, Sally Spencer, Lorraine H. De Souza

Physiotherapy Conference Papers

Poster Presentation

Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques aim to induce an electrical stimulation of the brain in an attempt to reduce chronic pain by directly altering brain activity. They include repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). These approaches to pain treatment are relatively novel. It is important to assess the existing literature robustly to ascertain the current level of supporting evidence and to inform future research and potential clinical use.

Evaluation Of A Treatment-Based Classification Algorithm For Low Back Pain, Tasha R. Stanton, Julie Fritz, Mark J. Hancock, Jane Latimer, Chris G. Maher, Benedict M. Wand, Eric Parent

Physiotherapy Conference Papers

Poster Presentation

Theme: How can we better translate evidence into clinical practice?

Background: Several studies have investigated criteria for classifying patients with low back pain into treatment-based subgroups. A comprehensive algorithm was recently created to translate these criteria into a clinical decision-making guide. This study investigated the translation of the individual subgroup criteria into a comprehensive algorithm by studying the prevalence of patients meeting each treatment subgroup, more than one treatment subgroup, and none of the treatment subgroups. The reliability of the classification decision was also investigated.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Of The Motor Cortex In The Treatment Of Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain. A Randomised, Double-Blind Exploratory Study, Neil E. O'Connell, John Cossar, Louise Marston, Benedict M. Wand, David Bunce, Lorraine H. De Souza, David W. Maskill, Andrew Sharp, G Lorimer Moseley

Physiotherapy Conference Papers

This exploratory study aimed to test the proof of principle that active anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the motor cortex reduces pain significantly more than sham stimulation in a group of participants with chronic non-specific low back pain.

What Factors Determine Patient Satisfaction With Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Care In Australia?, Julia Hush, Vivian Yung, Martin Mackey, Benedict M. Wand, Roger Adams, Roger Nelson, Paul Beattie

Physiotherapy Conference Papers

Patient satisfaction is an important patient-focussed indicator of the quality of physiotherapy care. We have completed an evaluation of patient satisfaction with musculoskeletal physiotherapy in Australia using the 20-item MedRisk Instrument for Measuring Patient Satisfaction With Physical Therapy Care (MRPS). In this paper we report on factors that influence patient satisfaction in this cultural context.

Treating Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain With A Sensorimotor Retraining Approach: An Exploratory Multiple-Baseline Study Of 3 Participants, Benedict M. Wand, Neil E. O'Connell, Flavia Di Pietro, Max Bulsara

Physiotherapy Conference Papers

Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a common healthcare problem for which current interventions are only moderately successful [1]. There is growing evidence of extensive cortical reorganisation and perceptual disturbances which may contribute to the condition [2]. The aim of this study was to test whether a graded sensorimotor retraining program, aimed at influencing cortical representation, would reduce pain intensity, interference of pain on daily life and self reported disability.