bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and impact of gastroesophageal reflux in adolescents with asthma: A population‐based study
Authors: Debley Jason S. , Carter Edward R. , Redding Gregory J. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractWe determined the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and the associations between GERD symptoms and asthma morbidity in a population of adolescents with asthma. Two thousand, three hundred and ninety‐seven students attending six middle schools in Seattle completed the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Children (ISAAC) written and video survey that included additional questions pertaining to GERD symptoms and asthma morbidity. Based on their responses, children were categorized as having undiagnosed current asthma, physician‐diagnosed current asthma, or no asthma symptoms. The prevalence of GERD symptoms occurring at least weekly or daily was determined for each group. The asthma morbidity outcomes were emergency department visits, physician visits, missed school days, and use of inhaled medications for respiratory symptoms within the past year. Associations between GERD symptoms and asthma morbidity outcomes were determined using logistic regression. The prevalence of GERD symptoms was significantly higher among students with current asthma (19.3%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 14.9–24.2) than students with no asthma symptoms (2.5%; 95% CI, 1.8–3.4). In children with current asthma (n = 296), symptoms of GERD that occurred at least weekly were strongly associated with emergency department visits (odds ratio (OR), 5.0; 95% CI, 2.6–9.6), physician visits (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.3–4.6), missed school (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1–3.7), and inhaled medication use (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.3–4.7). The associations between GERD symptoms and emergency department visits, physician visits, and inhaled medication use were stronger among children with asthma who reported daily GERD symptoms (n = 14) than among children reporting weekly GERD symptoms (n = 57). The prevalence of GERD symptoms was greater in adolescents with current asthma than in those without asthma. In addition, the presence of at least weekly GERD symptoms was strongly associated with greater asthma morbidity and the use of asthma medications. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006; 41:475–481. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pathogenesis of apparent life‐threatening events in infants with esophageal atresia
Authors: Cozzi D.A. , Zani A. , Conforti A. , Colarizi P. , Moretti C. , Cozzi F. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractMany infants with a repaired esophageal atresia (EA) undergo fundoplication, aortopexy, or glossopexy because the mechanisms most responsible for airway obstruction and/or apparent life‐threatening event (AO/ALTE) syndrome are considered to be gastroesophageal reflux (GER), tracheal compression (TC), or obstructive apnea, respectively. In the present study, we investigated whether these mechanisms are independent or interrelated. We developed a database of 120 consecutive patients with EA treated by the senior author between 1967–2002. We studied the clinical manifestations of patients with a cervical esophagostomy and/or blind lower esophageal stump, which ruled out TC and/or proximal esophageal GER as a mechanism for AO/ALTE. Of 25 neonates who underwent section/ligation of lower tracheo‐esophageal fistula and/or feeding gastrostomy, 10 critically ill neonates died. Of 15 survivors, 9 infants had a feeding gastrostomy without an esophagostomy. Of these, 6 infants presented one or more episodes of AO, and 8 presented ALTE with or without AO. Subsequently, 5 of the 9 infants underwent an esophagostomy. Eventually, 11 infants had a feeding gastrostomy with an esophagostomy. Of the latter, 5 infants presented one or more episodes of AO, and 6 presented ALTE without AO. In conclusion, oral feeding, proximal esophageal GER, and TC are not essential for AO/ALTE syndrome to occur. They are probably factors which offer evidence of an underlying problem with control of upper airway patency. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006; 41:488–493. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reproducibility of manual pressure force on provocation of the sacroiliac joint
Authors: Levin Ulla , Nilsson‐Wikmar Lena , Stenstruöm Christina H. , Lundeberg Thomas 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposePrevious studies of pain‐provocation sacroiliac (SI) joint tests have revealed conflicting results. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the intra‐ and inter‐test reliability of pressure force applied during distraction test, compression test and pressure on the apex sacralis.MethodsSeventeen physiotherapists (PTs), median age 43 years and median clinical experience 11 years, all experienced in musculoskeletal evaluation and therapy, participated in the study. Each PT performed each test on the same healthy volunteer for 20 s, on three separate occasions, at intervals of one week using a specially constructed examination table which registered pressure force.ResultsThe PTs were capable of maintaining a relatively constant pressure force for 20s. The intra‐test reliability was acceptable even though there were individual differences on different occasions between those PTs who used the SI joint tests often and those who seldom or never used them. The inter‐test reliability was insufficient.ConclusionsThe findings indicate the advantage of registering pressure force as a complement for standardized methods for pain‐provoking tests and when learning provocation tests, since individual variability was considerable. Copyright © 1998 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
A model for the prediction of time to union in fractures of the tibia
Authors: Fourie Jeanette Ann , Thompson Mary Lou 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeThis report covers the second arm of a trial, the main focus of which was to assess the effect of interferential currents (IFCs) on time to union in tibial fractures. No significant improvement was found with the use of IFCs for the parameters employed (Fourie & Bowerbank, 1997).MethodsThe focus of this study is the development of logistic regression models which used subject characteristics to predict non‐union of fracture within 24, 32 and 40 weeks. Such models could be used to identify clients for consideration of alternative interventions, for example, electric current stimulation, bone grafting or the injection of bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs). The usefulness of such models would depend on their ability to correctly identify subjects whose fractures do or do not unite. These models were validated with respect to their sensitivity and specificity to predict non‐union for a separate data set.ResultsThe results indicated, for instance, that use of a model to predict non‐union of fracture within 24 weeks would lead to 27% of subjects being correctly classified (as union or non‐union), 51% of subjects whose fractures did not unite within 24 weeks were identified and 65% of subjects (diagnosed as non‐union) whose fractures did not unite within 24 weeks (the closer these values are to 100% the more accurate the model).ConclusionThe conclusion reached was that the models may have value for low‐cost, non‐invasive interventions, but that they could not be used to predict those cases where surgical involvement would be necessary, due to the high false‐positive rate. Copyright © 1998 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Physical therapists' perception of patients' pain and its affect on management
Authors: Askew Rod , Kibelstis Carolyn , Overbaugh Stephanie , Walker Sheri , Nixon‐Cave Kim , Shepard Katherine F. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe purpose of this qualitative study was twofold: (1) to determine the factors that affected physical therapists' (PTs) perception of patients' pain and (2) to determine how this perception affected the management of patients.MethodsForty‐six PTs with at least two years' experience practicing in pain management clinics, outpatient clinics or sports medicine clinics were interviewed. The data collected were transcribed, coded and analyzed for main themes.ResultsThe most predominant factors found to affect PTs' perception of patients' pain were the therapist's personal and professional experience, area of practice and evaluative findings.ConclusionsIn this sample there exists a common link between experience and evaluative findings: the longer PTs have been practicing the more proficient they become in performing and interpreting a thorough subjective and objective evaluation. PTs practicing in pain clinics were found to have a more holistic and multidisciplinary approach to patient care, whereas therapists practicing in out‐patient and sports medicine facilities were more apt to focus on patients' physical symptoms and complaints. Four main themes of perceived patient pain and their corresponding management were developed: (1) patients presenting with legitimate/acute pain profiles render a slow, conservative approach by the PT; (2) patients presenting with debilitating/chronic pain were most often treated with an approach that stressed functional gains and patient independence; (3) the preferred treatment of patients characterized with a non‐legitimate pain profile was an aggressive and multidisciplinary approach; (4) ‘special cases’ and their management were dependent upon the patient's functional level and pain tolerance. Copyright © 1998 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Test–retest reliability of the Fukuda Stepping Test
Authors: Bonanni Maureen , Newton Robert A 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeAlthough the Fukuda Stepping Test (FST) is commonly used to assess individuals with peripheral vestibular dysfunction or balance instability, test–retest reliability has not been examined.MethodsSixteen males and 14 females, ranging in age from 23 to 56 years (mean 32.8 years), with no known vestibular dysfunction were tested. The subjects stood in the center of two concentric circles with eyes blindfolded. They stepped in place with outstretched arms for the prescribed number of steps. Subjects were tested on two consecutive days. Their angle of rotation, angle of displacement and distance of displacement were measured.ResultsInter‐class correlation coefficients were moderate for the 50‐step protocol but lower for the 100‐step protocol.ConclusionsIf practitioners use the FST they should use the 50‐step protocol. In addition, practitioners should interpret the results of the FST with caution if it is used as a screening tool. The test should be used in conjunction with other tests for vestibular function. Copyright © 1998 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Breathing patterns and heart rate during simulated occupational upper limb tasks in normal subjects
Authors: Mackey Martin , Ellis Elizabeth , Nicholls Max 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeDespite the arms being used extensively in the performance of many occupational tasks, little is known about the pattern of breathing and physiological cost of such work. The purpose of this study was to establish whether a simple change in arm support could alter the workload, pattern of breathing and respiratory muscle recruitment during a low intensity arm task.MethodsTen normal subjects performed a simulated work task when sitting, once with the arms supported and once unsupported. Subjects were required, over a five‐minute period, to repeatedly pick up a 2 kg object, inspect and hold it for 15 seconds and then pack it in a box. Breathing pattern responses, measured by pneumotachograph and respiratory inductive plethysmography, were minute ventilation (VE), respiratory frequency (Rf), tidal volume (VT) and change in functional residual capacity (FRC).ResultsThe main findings were that unsupported arm work was more physiologically demanding than supported arm work. During work VE increased as a result of a change in respiratory frequency but not VT which was much more limited when the arms were unsupported. At the completion of activity, when the arms were unloaded, VT initially increased as VE decreased. FRC and VT were reduced during arm work and increased during recovery, mainly as a result of a change in ribcage excursion.ConclusionsThese findings support the theory that during arm activity, intercostal and accessory respiratory muscles act to stabilize the arms and torso, impeding chest wall movement and shifting the respiratory load from these muscles to the diaphragm. This may adversely effect performance of workers who have ventilatory limits to arm work tasks. Copyright © 1998 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Curricular content on urinary incontinence in entry‐level physical therapy programmes in three countries
Authors: Walker Joan M. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeUrinary incontinence (UI) is a significant psychological, social and healthcare problem across the lifespan. Although there is evidence of physical therapy (PT) efficacy, no literature was located pertaining to UI in PT curricula. The aim was to compare curricular content on UI (of non‐neuropathic origin) in PT programmes in Canada, the UK and the USA. The study subjects were PT educators in entry‐level programmes.MethodsAll Canadian PT programmes (13) were surveyed. Stratification was used to make random samples of PT programmes: 50% of UK (13/26) and 50% of USA (69/136). A questionnaire was used to obtain information on: degree level, programme length, specific courses, time allotted, UI topics, teaching method(s), the professional teaching patients with UI and reasons for non‐inclusion in the study. One follow‐up letter was sent. Results are presented as frequencies and percentages.ResultsOverall, the response rate was 62.8%; country response rates were: Canada 92.3%; UK 76.9% and USA 53.6%. UI was taught in 80% of Canadian, 90% of UK (which gave the most time to teaching on UI: 70% >60 minutes) and 78.4% of USA PT programmes. Kegel exercises were taught in all three countries (>81.1%) and electrical stimulation in >65%. Theory only was the primary method of teaching in all countries (>64.9%). Physical therapists were reported to have a major role in treating patients with UI (Canada >75%; UK 100%; USA 70.3%).ConclusionsWith Kegel exercises and electrical stimulation taught in two‐thirds of all programmes physical therapy graduates may have some knowledge of UI management. However, for the UK and USA programmes data are from only 38.5% and 27% respectively. As the common method of teaching on UI was by theory only, graduating physical therapists may lack the clinical skills to apply assessment and treatment techniques. Copyright © 1998 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Inter‐ and intra‐tester reliability of the balance performance monitor in a non‐patient population
Authors: Haas Bernhard M , Whitmarsh Tracy E 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeThere is a growing interest in the measurement and evaluation of balance deficits and a number of instruments for measurement are now available. However, few data exist that accurately describe the reliability when using these measurement tools. This study was designed to evaluate the inter‐ and intra‐tester reliability of using the Balance Performance Monitor (BPM) (SMS Healthcare) in a non‐patient population.MethodsA total of 58 subjects (mean age 29.83 years (±9.44 years)) and three testers participated in two separate experiments. Intra Class Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) and coefficients of variation were used to describe the reliability of two different protocols for positioning subjects on the footplates of the BPM.ResultsMeasurements of weight distribution showed high and significant inter‐ and intra‐tester reliability for both protocols (ICCs ranging from 0.720 to 0.868). Sway measurements showed more limited reliability (ICCs ranging from 0.183 to 0.775). Coefficients of variation were low for weight distribution measurements and high for sway measurements.ConclusionsTaking the mean of three measurements is recommended for both the weight distribution and the sway measurements as it has shown to produce acceptable measurement results. Copyright © 1998 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Falls reported among elderly Norwegians living at home
Authors: Bergland Astrid , Pettersen Anne Marie , Laake Knut 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeNorway has the highest reported incidence of hip fractures in western Europe. Little is known about the epidemiology of falls in Norway where the winter season is long and dark. The objective of this work was to study reported falls and their consequences among elderly Norwegians living at home.MethodsA cross‐sectional design was used for the study. Interviews were performed in the homes of 431 subjects, aged 67–97 years, living at home. Information on falling was gathered through six questions: whether the subject had fallen during the last six months, and if so, how many falls they had, where the last fall occurred, its perceived reason, the activity the subject had been engaged in when the fall occurred, and the resulting injury.ResultsIn all, 24.1% of subjects reported falling during the last six months, and 9.5% had suffered more than one fall. Falls were most frequently linked to external events (63.1%). Outdoor falls were more frequent (59.0%; 95% CI=51.2–82.0) than indoor falls. Older subjects were associated with more frequent indoor falls (p<0.05), but gender was not significant. Fifty‐one per cent of subjects had fallen while walking and 53% had suffered an injury from the last fall. In 13.4% of the women and 16.2% of the men, the last fall had resulted in a fracture.ConclusionsCompared to the results of other studies from industrialized Western countries, a similar crude fall rate, similar frequency and similar type of injury were found. However, in contrast to other studies, no gender difference was observed with regard to falling, place of falling and fracture rate. Copyright © 1998 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Recovery of walking function in stroke patients after minimal rehabilitation
Authors: Hale Leigh Anne , Eales Cecelia J. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeIndependent walking function is a highly desired goal amonst stroke victims, and has been well reported in Western literature. However, few studies have investigated the recovery of gait following stroke in Third World countries, where rehabilitation is often minimal or non‐existent.MethodsA descriptive survey, using a structured questionnaire, was conducted on stroke victims, 12–14 weeks post‐discharge from the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Soweto, South Africa. Although the questionnaire included a number of aspects of impairment, disability and handicap, this paper only reports on the recovery of walking function.ResultsA total of 361 patients were screened initially. Only 54 fulfilled all inclusion criteria, 38 (70%) were over 50 years of age and 16 (30%) were aged under 50 years. The average length of stay in hospital of the older group was eight days, and in the younger group, 11.5 days. All 54 subjects interviewed were able to walk prior to their stroke. Twelve to fourteen weeks post‐discharge, 23 (66%) subjects in the older group and all (100%) of the younger group said they could walk. Half of the older group and nearly all of the younger group could walk outside their homes, unassisted and without appliances. One‐third of the subjects experienced knee pain during walking, but only a small percentage said that this pain prevented them from walking. The ability to catch a taxi in Soweto was used as a measurement of the handicap of gait. Twenty (54%) older group subjects and five (31%) of the younger group never caught a taxi.ConclusionsAlthough the recovery of gait in these subjects appears to have been good, the results cannot be extrapolated to the stroke population in general due to the stringent selection criteria of the study. Further studies are required to acquire a broader cross‐section of the stroke population, including longer follow‐up periods to gain insight into the continuation of walking function. This information is necessary in order to plan effective and appropriate rehabilitation services. Copyright © 1998 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
A survey of UK manual therapists' practice of and attitudes towards manipulation and its complications
Authors: Adams Georgina , Sim Julius 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeLittle is known about the practice of manipulation by UK physiotherapists. This study was conducted to discover current practice of, and attitudes towards, manipulation among UK manipulative therapists.MethodsA postal questionnaire was sent to 300 UK manipulative therapists who were members of two professional associations representing differing approaches to manual therapy: the Society of Orthopaedic Medicine (SOM) and the Manipulation Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP).ResultsA 50% response rate was achieved and 129 respondents identified themselves as ‘users’ of manipulation. Anxiety about possible complications was a prominent reason adduced by ‘non‐users’ and ‘partial users’ for their avoidance of manipulative procedures. The thoracic spine was the region most often manipulated, followed by the lumbar spine. Nineteen per cent of users had encountered complications from manipulation, which were most common in the cervical region and were predominantly non‐serious. The majority of SOM members and a minority of MACP members used generalized cervical rotary manipulations — thought by some to be potentially dangerous. Attitudes to manipulation were generally positive, although overall respondents were uncertain as to whether its benefits outweighed its risks. Members of the SOM emerged as more frequent users of manipulation and as less conservative in their attitudes to certain aspects of manipulation.ConclusionsAllowing for possible under‐reporting or other response biases, spinal manipulation emerged as a relatively safe and widely practised technique among this sample. Copyright © 1998 Whurr Publications Ltd.
The accuracy of predicting functional recovery in patients following a stroke by physiotherapists and patients
Authors: Jones Fiona 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe potential for post‐stroke recovery and the range of predictive variables has been studied extensively. Knowledge of these variables alongside other factors, such as performance in therapy and professional experience, enable ongoing predictions to be made by members of the rehabilitation team. Patients' own predictions for their recovery has yet to receive much attention in this area of research. The aim of this study was to compare the predictive accuracy of the physiotherapist and the stroke patient with regard to functional change during a period 6–12 weeks post‐stroke.MethodThe stroke sample (N=29) came from two National Health Service Trusts as did the physiotherapists (N=4). No comparisons were made between the hospitals and data was coded for anonymity. Estimations were made by both physiotherapists and patients regarding items on each of the three sections of The Rivermead Motor Assessment (RMA). Intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to describe agreement of each set of predictions with the achieved RMA scores. The results reported here represent the main emphasis of the research; however, other areas were also screened (for example, change in cognition, language and quality of life) by use of basic standardized measures. Recovery was also compared to other known predictive variables, such as age, severity of stroke and urinary incontinence.ResultsAt follow‐up assessment it was found that both physiotherapists' and patients' predictions demonstrated high and significant agreement with the achieved RMA scores at 12 weeks (ICCs ranging from 0.727 to 0.968). Physiotherapists' predictions demonstrated marginally higher levels of agreement than patients' predictions.ConclusionsThe degree of accuracy demonstrated by both physiotherapists and patients was considerable. The patient group was perhaps the more notable as no subject had had prior knowledge of a stroke. The implications in respect of lay persons' involvement in decision making and in the rehabilitative process, alongside the health professionals, are perhaps worthy of closer consideration. Copyright © 1998 Whurr Publications Ltd.