Physical Therapy Commons^™

Physical Therapy Management Of Myasthenia Gravis: A Case Study, Erin Hung, Gwendolyn Juha, Todd E. Davenport, Joy Williams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease that involves dysfunction of the neuromuscular junction, and commonly involves fluctuating muscle weakness and central fatigue. Current literature lacks consensus on the benefit of exercise in addressing central fatigue in this population. This case report explores the role of physical therapy in an individual with MG for whom fatigue is a primary concern. Methods: This case study describes the physical therapy management of a 62-year-old Caucasian male recently diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. Physical therapy intervention focused on strength and balance training as well as patient education on energy conservation and activity pacing. …

Physical Therapy Management For An Individual With Stiff Person Syndrome In The Acute Care Setting: A Case Report, Paul Kim, Christina Berdoulay, Todd E. Davenport, Joy Williams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disease which is characterized by progressive rigidity and painful spasms of axial and limb muscles. We report here on the physical therapy management as well as medical complications which impacted the physical therapy plan of care for a patient with paraneoplastic SPS in the acute care setting. Method: This case report describes rehabilitation management of a 71-year-old woman who presented in the acute care setting for complaints of progressively worsening stiffness in the bilateral lower extremities leading to multiple falls as well as dysphagia. Primary interventions for this patient included passive …

Rehabilitation After Scapular Fractures, Andrea Lopes Sauers, Rita Ator, Jaime González

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Scapular fractures are uncommon, and published guidelines on the rehabilitation of scapular fractures are limited. This chapter summarizes the current concepts that can assist decision-making for rehabilitating patients following scapular fracture. The STAR-shoulder and the modified algorithm for scapular dysfunction are viable frameworks to aid decision-making and can aptly guide rehabilitation after scapular fracture. The selection of the appropriate rehabilitation strategies after scapular fracture requires a close understanding of the mechanism of injury, type of management, existing comorbidities, and associated injuries. Thus, communication between the physical therapist and the surgeon or physician is vital for quality care and positive patient …

Examining The Differences In Functional Outcomes For Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury After Acute Rehabilitation And Subacute Rehabilitation: A Review Of The Literature, Michael Rangel, Ashley Kakkanatt

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the major causes of morbidity in the US [1-4]. Studies suggest TBI patients’ enrollment in a rehabilitation program strongly predicts social reintegration. The structure and outcomes of inpatient rehabilitation programs, including acute and subacute rehabilitation, are not well-delineated [5-7].

DESIGN

A structured review of current literature was conducted. Articles were screened using the search string: (post-traumatic brain injury OR post-TBI OR traumatic brain injury OR TBI) AND (acute rehabilitation OR subacute rehabilitation) AND (outcomes OR functional outcomes) NOT (outpatient OR outpatient populations) NOT (pediatric OR pediatric populations). Articles were limited to 1990 …

Enhancing Post-Injury Rehabilitation: A Focus On Prehabilitation For Athletes, Kariya Jennings, Kyanne Crockarell, Rishi Gulati, Mallory Rae, Dakota Hill, Deborah Edmondson

Physical Therapy Student Research

No abstract provided.

Relation Between Cognitive Assessment And Clinical Physical Performance Measures After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Prokopios Antonellis, Margaret M. Weightman, Peter C. Fino, Siting Chen, Mark E. Lester, Carrie W. Hoppes, Leland E. Dibble, Laurie A. King

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Objectives

To investigate the relation between cognitive and motor performance in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury(mTBI) and examine differences in both cognitive and motor performance between adults after mTBI and healthy controls.

Design

Multi-center, cross-sectional study.

Setting

Three institutional sites (Courage Kenny Research Center, Minneapolis, MN, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, and University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT).

Participants

Data were collected from 110 participants (N=110), including those with mTBI and healthy controls, who completed cognitive and physical performance assessments.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Outcome Measures

Cognitive assessments involved the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics to evaluate …

How Has Body Image Been Evaluated Among People With Lower Limb Loss? A Scoping Review, Kristin Nugent, Atharv Joshi, Ricardo Viana, Michael W Payne, Janelle Unger, Susan W Hunter

Physical Therapy Publications

PURPOSE: Lower limb loss can result in an altered body image, leading to changes in self-esteem, mental health and quality of life. This scoping review explored how body image has been evaluated among people with lower limb loss.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five databases (Embase, Medline, PsychINFO, CINHAL, and Nursing and Allied Health Database) were searched from inception until March 19, 2023. Inclusion criteria: 1) people with lower limb loss; 2) evaluated a body image outcome or theme; and 3) a qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods design.

RESULTS: Twenty-four quantitative (n = 19 cross-sectional, n = 3 intervention cohort and …

Barriers And Facilitators To Enhance Interprofessional Education For Rehabilitation Science Graduate Students, Mary A. Riopel, Kimberly Wynarczuk, Taylor Grube

The Qualitative Report

Interprofessional education (IPE) aims to develop healthcare practitioners who work effectively in teams, demonstrate strong communication skills, respect others, and have a working knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of other professionals. Of identified research to date, it is unclear what students perceive as important for effective IPE delivery and learning. The purpose of this study was to identify graduate students' perceptions of facilitators and barriers to learning interprofessional practice using phenomenology. Three semi-structured focus groups were conducted including athletic training, occupational therapy, or speech-language pathology students and the transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged about IPE …

Quantifying Turning Tasks With Wearable Sensors: A Reliability Assessment, Angela R. Weston, Prokopios Antonellis, Peter C. Fino, Carrie W. Hoppes, Mark E. Lester, Margaret M. Weightman, Leland E. Dibble, Laurie A. King

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Objective

The aim of this study was to establish the test–retest reliability of metrics obtained from wearable inertial sensors that reflect turning performance during tasks designed to imitate various turns in daily activity.

Methods

Seventy-one adults who were healthy completed 3 turning tasks: a 1-minute walk along a 6-m walkway, a modified Illinois Agility Test (mIAT), and a complex turning course (CTC). Peak axial turning and rotational velocity (yaw angular velocity) were extracted from wearable inertial sensors on the head, trunk, and lumbar spine. ICCs were established to assess the test–retest reliability of average peak turning speed for each task. …

Embedding Physical Therapy In The Pediatric Primary Care Setting: Qualitative Analysis Of Pediatricians’ Insights On Potential Collaborative Roles And Benefits, Ryan P. Jacobson, Rebecca R. Dobler

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

The growing need for collaborative healthcare teams to meet complex health challenges has led to physical therapists (PTs) being embedded in adult primary care settings for many years now. However, this model of care has not been found in pediatrics. This qualitative study sought to gain insights from pediatricians on the potential of embedding pediatric PTs in primary care. Participants were nine pediatricians practicing in both urban and rural, hospital-based and private settings. Semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed via thematic analysis per published methods, assuring trustworthiness. Three overarching themes emerged: pediatricians’ priorities aligned with the Quadruple Aim of …

Safety And Feasibility Of Paired Vagus Nerve Stimulation With Rehabilitation For Improving Upper Extremity Function In People With Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: Study Protocol For A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial, Nuray Yozbatiran, Gerard E Francisco, Radha Korupolu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Pairing vagus nerve stimulation with traditional rehabilitation therapies results in improved motor recovery in people with stroke. However, this approach has not yet been studied in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Motor recovery continues to be challenging after SCI, and there is a need for innovative research strategies to enhance motor recovery after SCI. Hence, this pilot randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and potential efficacy of pairing vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) with rehabilitation therapy to restore the motor function of the paretic upper limbs in people with cervical SCI.

Methods and analysis: In this …

What Are The Perceptions And Lived Experiences Of Canadian Injured Workers About The Provision Of Physiotherapy Services Using Telerehabilitation?, Anne Hudon, Maxi Miciak, Teri Slade, Stacey Lovo, Jackie L. Whittaker, Daniel Côté, Debbie E. Feldman, Dahlia Kairy, Marie Laberge, Beverley Mckeen, Lynn Cooper, Douglas P. Gross

Études primaires

Purpose

Despite evidence of efficacy, the effectiveness of telerehabilitation in real-world clinical settings is still largely unknown. Telerehabilitation requires a substantial transformation of the organization and delivery of traditional services. Considering that a virtual setting can create unique challenges for providing physiotherapy services and given the physical and potential hands-on nature of evidence-based assessments and interventions, it is important to investigate what injured workers think of receiving physiotherapy care via telerehabilitation and to examine if rehabilitation needs are adequately met.

Methods

A qualitative interpretive description study was conducted to explore the perspectives and experiences of 17 injured workers receiving physiotherapy …

Sex-Related Differences In Gait Characteristics And Their Associations With Symptoms In Individuals With Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis, Harvi Hart Dr.

Physical Therapy Publications

Background

Patellofemoral osteoarthritis (OA) is an important subgroup of knee OA. However, the influence of sex on gait characteristics in patients with patellofemoral OA is unknown.

Research question

Compare gait characteristics in females and males with patellofemoral OA and investigate their associations with patellofemoral joint-related symptoms and limitations.

Methods

Mixed effects polynomial regression models compared knee flexion-extension and adduction moments, knee flexion angles, and vertical ground reaction forces over 100% of stance between 26 females and 22 males with patellofemoral OA, with and without adjustment for walking speed and body mass. Multivariable linear regression models were then used to …

The Effectiveness Of Temporary Deafferentation For Upper Limb Rehabilitation, Chelsea Erazo Macias, Daniel Salinas, Monica Lozano Garcia, Victoria Cuello, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Background: Temporary deafferentation (TD) is an approach that has been investigated in rehabilitation practices to improve motor function in people with spinal cord injuries. The overall goal of temporary deafferentation is to voluntarily reduce sensory input into the nervous system to improve efferent output. Temporary deafferentation is typically achieved using either topical or injectable anesthetics. Recently, our group sought to optimize a protocol for temporary deafferentation using topical anesthetic cream, and results suggested that temporary deafferentation was achieved 50 minutes after anesthetic cream application. Here, we aimed to determine if our optimized protocol impacted limb electromyography (EMG) after the intervention. …

Comparator Groups In Icu-Based Studies Of Physical Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review Of 125 Studies, Heather K O'Grady, Julie C Reid, Christopher Farley, Quincy E B Hanna, Janelle Unger, David J Zorko, Jackie Bosch, Lyn S Turkstra, Michelle E Kho

Physical Therapy Publications

OBJECTIVES: To characterize comparator groups (CGs) in ICU-based studies of physical rehabilitation (PR), including the type, content, and reporting.

DATA SOURCES: We followed a five-stage scoping review methodology, searching five databases from inception to June 30, 2022. Study selection and data extraction were completed independently, in duplicate.

STUDY SELECTION: We screened studies by title and abstract, then full-text. We included prospective studies with greater than or equal to two arms enrolling mechanically ventilated adults (≥ 18 yr), with any planned PR intervention initiated in the ICU.

DATA EXTRACTION: We conducted a quantitative content analysis of authors' description of CG type …

Using The Instrumented Sway System (Isway) To Identify And Compare Balance Domain Deficits In People With Multiple Sclerosis, Patrick G. Monaghan, Andrew S. Monaghan, Andrew Hooyman, Brett W. Fling, Jessie M. Huisinga, Daniel S. Peterson

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Objective
To develop a multiple sclerosis (MS)-specific model of balance and examine differences between (1) MS and neurotypical controls and (2) people with MS (PwMS) with (MS-F) and without a fall history (MS-NF).

Design and Setting
A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Gait and Balance Laboratory at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Balance was measured from the instrumented sway system (ISway) assessment.

Participants
In total, 118 people with relapsing-remitting MS (MS-F=39; MS-NF=79) and 46 age-matched neurotypical controls.

Intervention
Not applicable.

Outcome Measures
A total of 22 sway measures obtained from the ISway were entered into an exploratory factor …

Conservative Treatment Of A Symptomatic Os Vesalianum Pedis In A Professional Soccer Player: A Case Report, Mario F. Cruz, Lori A. Bolgla, Ryan Alexander, Peter J. Symbas, Jeremy Royal, Jordan Serrano-Dennis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objectives: Symptomatic os vesalianum pedis (OVP), a small accessory bone located adjacent to the base of the 5^th metatarsal of the foot, rarely affects individuals who participate in sports. The condition typically is treated with surgical intervention. This case report documents the examination, evaluation, and treatment approach for a professional soccer player treated conservatively with a symptomatic OVP. Methods: A nineteen-year-old professional soccer player presented with pain to the base of the left 5^th metatarsal. Physical examination and imaging resulted in a diagnosis of a symptomatic OVP. The player underwent a 5-stage criterion-based rehabilitation program. Results: The player …

The Satisfaction And Recovery Index, David Walton

Physical Therapy Publications

User Manual for the Satisfaction and Recover Index, including versions of the tool in English, French-Canadian, Persian, and Japanese translations

Higher Intensity Walking Improves Global Cognition During Inpatient Rehabilitation: A Secondary Analysis Of A Randomized Control Trial, Sue Peters, Keith R Lohse, Tara D Klassen, Teresa Liu-Ambrose, Sean P Dukelow, Mark T Bayley, Michael D Hill, Sepideh Pooyania, Jennifer Yao, Janice J Eng

Physical Therapy Publications

Cognitive deficits are common poststroke. Cognitive rehabilitation is typically used to improve cognitive deficits. It is unknown whether higher doses of exercise to promote motor recovery influence cognitive outcomes. Our recent trial, Determining Optimal Post-Stroke Exercise (DOSE), shows more than double the steps and aerobic minutes can be achieved during inpatient rehabilitation versus usual care, and translates to improved long-term walking outcomes. Thus, the secondary analysis aim was to determine the effect of the DOSE protocol on cognitive outcomes over 1-year poststroke. The DOSE protocol progressively increased step number and aerobic minutes during inpatient stroke rehabilitation over 20 sessions. The …

Implementation Of Increased Physical Therapy Intensity For Improving Walking After Stroke: Walk 'N Watch Protocol For A Multisite Stepped-Wedge Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial, Sue Peters, Shannon B Lim, Mark T Bayley, Krista Best, Louise A Connell, Hélène Corriveau, Sarah J Donkers, Sean P Dukelow, Tara D Klassen, Marie-Hélène Milot, Brodie M Sakakibara, Lisa Sheehy, Hubert Wong, Jennifer Yao, Janice J Eng

Physical Therapy Publications

RATIONALE: Clinical practice guidelines support structured, progressive protocols for improving walking after stroke. Yet, practice is slow to change, evidenced by the little amount of walking activity in stroke rehabilitation units. Our recent study (n = 75) found that a structured, progressive protocol integrated with typical daily physical therapy improved walking and quality-of-life measures over usual care. Research therapists progressed the intensity of exercise by using heart rate and step counters worn by the participants with stroke during therapy. To have the greatest impact, our next step is to undertake an implementation trial to change practice across stroke units where …

Blood Flow Restrictive Training Following Medial Patellofemoral Ligament And Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation, Richard Watson

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Both patellofemoral dislocation and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures have a significant impact on an athlete’s ability to regain function and return to play. Surgical repair of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) and ACL ligament reconstructions result in a sequala of quadriceps weakness. Persistent quadriceps weakness following reconstruction can create a cascade effect of muscular atrophy and weakness resulting in significant knee and leg impairments. An abundance of research has shown that blood flow restrictive training (BFRT) has demonstrated significant results in post-surgical rehabilitation by increasing muscular strength and improving function. What is unclear is the effect of deflating or …

Using Wearable Technology To Quantify Physical Activity Recovery: Secondary Report From The After (App-Facilitated Tele-Rehabilitation) Program For Covid-19 Survivors Randomized Study, Laura Churchill, Mary Morrow, Jacob J. Capin, Sarah Jolley, Kristine Hare, Samantha Mawhinney, Jennifer E. Stevens-Lapsley, Kristine M. Erlandson

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Background: Knowledge on physical activity recovery after COVID-19 survival is limited. The AFTER (App-Facilitated Tele-Rehabilitation) program for COVID-19 survivors randomized participants, following hospital discharge, to either education and unstructured physical activity or a telerehabilitation program. Step count data were collected as a secondary outcome, and we found no significant differences in total step count trajectories between groups at 6 weeks. Further step count data were not analyzed.

Objective: The purpose of this analysis was to examine step count trajectories and correlates among all participants (combined into a single group) across the 12-week study period.

Methods: Linear mixed …

Rehabilitation For Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review, Kristin J. Konnyu, Daniel Pinto, Wangnan Cao, Roy K. Aaron, Orestis A. Panagiotou, Monika Reddy Bhuma, Gaelen P. Adam, Ethan M. Balk, Louise M. Thoma

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

We sought to determine the comparative benefits and harms of rehabilitation interventions for patients who have undergone elective, unilateral THA surgery for the treatment of primary osteoarthritis. We searched PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Register of Clinical Trials, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov from January 1, 2005, through May 3, 2021. We included randomized controlled trials and adequately adjusted nonrandomized comparative studies of rehabilitation programs reporting performance-based, patient-reported, or healthcare utilization outcomes. Three researchers extracted study data and assessed risk of bias, verified by an independent researcher. Experts in rehabilitation content and complex interventions independently coded rehabilitation interventions. The team assessed …

Rehabilitation For Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review, Kristin J. Konnyu, Louise M. Thoma, Wangnan Cao, Roy K. Aaron, Orestis A. Panagiotou, Monika Reddy Bhuma, Gaelen P. Adam, Ethan M. Balk, Daniel Pinto

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

We sought to determine the comparative benefit and harm of rehabilitation interventions for patients who have undergone elective, unilateral total knee arthroplasty for the treatment of primary osteoarthritis. We searched PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Register of Clinical Trials, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov from January 1, 2005, through May 3, 2021. We included randomized controlled trials and adequately adjusted nonrandomized comparative studies of rehabilitation programs reporting performance-based, patient-reported, or healthcare utilization outcomes. Three researchers extracted study data and assessed risk of bias, verified by an independent researcher. The team assessed strength of evidence. Evidence from 53 studies randomized controlled trials …

Cost-Effectiveness Of High-Intensity Training Vs Conventional Therapy For Individuals With Subacute Stroke, T. George Hornby, Miriam Rafferty, Daniel Pinto, Dustin D. French, Neil Jordan

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Objective

This investigation estimated the incremental cost-effectiveness of high-intensity training (HIT) compared with conventional physical therapy in individuals with subacute stroke, based on the additional personnel required to deliver the therapy.

Design

Secondary analysis from a pilot study and subsequent randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Outpatient laboratory setting.

Participants

Data were collected from individuals with locomotor impairments 1-6 months poststroke (N=44) who participated in HIT (n=27) or conventional physical therapy (n=17).

Interventions

Individuals performing HIT practiced walking tasks in variable contexts (stairs, overground, treadmill) while targeting up to 80% maximum heart rate reserve. Individuals performing conventional therapy practiced impairment-based and functional …

Total Knee Arthroplasty Assessments Should Include Strength And Performance-Based Functional Tests To Complement Range-Of-Motion And Patient-Reported Outcome Measures, Jacob J. Capin, Michael J. Bade, Jason M. Jennings, Lynn Snyder-Mackler, Jennifer E. Stevens-Lapsley

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Range of motion (ROM) and pain often define successful recovery after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but these routine clinical outcomes correlate poorly or not at all to functional capacity after TKA. The purpose of this Perspective is to underscore the importance of muscle strength and performance-based functional tests in addition to knee ROM and patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures to evaluate outcomes after TKA. Specifically: (1) muscle strength is the rate-limiting step for recovery of function after TKA; (2) progressive rehabilitation targeting early quadriceps muscle strengthening improves outcomes and does not compromise ROM after TKA; (3) ROM and PROs fail to …

Survey Of Confidence And Knowledge To Manage Patellofemoral Pain In Readers Versus Nonreaders Of The Physical Therapy Clinical Practice Guideline, Richard W. Willy, Lisa T. Hoglund, Neal R. Glaviano, Lori A. Bolgla, David M. Bazett-Jones

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

Objectives: To compare beliefs of physical therapists (PTs) who read the clinical practice guideline (CPG) for the management of individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP) to those who have not read the CPG.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Online survey.

Participants: 494 currently licensed/registered PTs or physiotherapists.

Main Outcome Measures: Respondents answered Likert-based or open-ended questions regarding the diagnosis, prognosis, risk factors, and management of individuals with PFP, as well as confidence for managing individuals with PFP, especially the ability to identify beneficial and non-beneficial interventions. We dichotomized responses into participants who read (READERS) and did not read (NonREADERS) the CPG.

Results: …

Direction Of Attentional Focus In Prosthetic Training: Current Practice And Potential For Improving Motor Learning In Individuals With Lower Limb Loss, Alexander Bonczyk, Maria Katrina Tillada Dimapilis, Sarah Partridge, Samantha Ruiz

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: Adopting an external focus of attention has been shown to benefit motor performance and learning. However, the potential of optimizing attentional focus for improving prosthetic motor skills in lower limb prosthesis (LLP) users has not been examined. In this study, we investigated the frequency and direction of attentional focus embedded in the verbal instructions in a clinical prosthetic training setting.

Methods: Twenty-one adult LLP users (8 female, 13 male; 85% at K3 level; mean age=50.5) were recruited from prosthetic clinics in the Southern Nevada region. Verbal interactions between LLP users and their prosthetists (mean experience=10 years, range=4-21 years) during …

Predicting Duration Of Outpatient Physical Therapy Episodes For Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury Based On Locomotor Training Strategy, Mauricio Garnier-Villarreal, Daniel Pinto, Chaithanya K. Mummidisetty, Arun Jayaraman, Candy Tefertiller, Susan Charlifue, Heather B. Tayler, Shuo-Hsiu Chang, Nicholas Mccombs, Catherine L. Furbish, Edelle C. Field-Fote, Allen W. Heinemann

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Objective

To characterize individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) who use outpatient physical therapy or community wellness services for locomotor training and predict the duration of services, controlling for demographic, injury, quality of life, and service and financial characteristics. We explore how the duration of services is related to locomotor strategy.

Design

Observational study of participants at 4 SCI Model Systems centers with survival. Weibull regression model to predict the duration of services.

Setting

Rehabilitation and community wellness facilities at 4 SCI Model Systems centers.

Participants

Eligibility criteria were SCI or dysfunction resulting in motor impairment and the use of …

Developing Peri-Operative Rehabilitation In Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy [Ao Spine Recode-Dcm Research Priority Number 6]: An Unexplored Opportunity?, Timothy F. Boerger, Allison S. Hyngstrom, Julio C. Furlan, Sukhvinder Klasi-Ryan, Armin Curt, Brian K. Kwon, Shekar N. Kurpad, Michael G. Fehlings, James S. Harrop, Bizhan Aarabi, Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar, James D. Guest, Jefferson R. Wilson, Benjamin M. Davies, Mark R. N. Kotter, Paul A. Koljonen

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Study Design

Narrative review.

Objective

Degenerative cervical myelopathy is one of the most frequent impairments of the spinal cord encountered internationally in adults. Currently, surgical decompression is the recommended treatment for people with DCM (PwCM) presenting with moderate to severe symptoms or neurological deficits. However, despite surgical intervention, not all patients make a complete recovery due to the irreversible tissue damage within the spinal cord. The objective of this review is to describe the state and gaps in the current literature on rehabilitation for PwCM and possible innovative rehabilitation strategies.

Methods

Literature search.

Results

In other neurological disorders such as …