bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic ankle–foot orthoses as a part of treatment in children with spastic diplegia — Parents' perceptions
Authors: Näslund Annika , Tamm Maare , Ericsson Ann Kristin , Wendt Lennart von 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeDynamic ankle–foot orthoses (DAFOs) are often recommended for children with spastic diplegia in order to facilitate better function. The aim of the present study was to explore how the parents of children with diplegic cerebral palsy experience the use of DAFOs.MethodA qualitative interview study with a broad research question: ‘How do you perceive that DAFOs influence your child?’ The parents of 15 children, aged 4–18 years, who all had spastic diplegia and wore DAFOs were interviewed.ResultsContent analysis resulted in the following categories: ‘Physical effects’; ‘New functions and activities’; ‘The orthosis as a part of the treatment’; ‘Opportunity for independence and play’; and ‘Problems with DAFOs’. According to the parents, DAFOs appeared to contribute to the (mechanical) changes in posture affecting the muscular system. They meant that when wearing DAFOs the foot and ankle are more stable. This in turn enables postural control and alignment, contributing to functional activities under more favourable physiological conditions. The psychosocial effects were regarded by parents as being just as important as the physical effects.ConclusionIn clinical practice, DAFOs may (according to parents) be regarded as a suitable complement to other treatments in children with diplegic cerebral palsy. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Performance after surgical treatment of patients with ankle fractures — 14‐month follow‐up
Authors: Nilsson Gertrud , Nyberg Per , Ekdahl Charlotte , Eneroth Magnus 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeFew studies have been published that extensively evaluate physical outcome after ankle fractures. In addition, there is a lack of knowledge of how physical outcome correlates with subjective assessments of symptoms and function after ankle fracture. The purpose of the present study was to investigate outcome after surgical treatment of patients with ankle fracture and to study how well the experience of symptoms and function correlated with the results of clinical physical tests.MethodThe study used a retrospective cross‐sectional study design. Fifty‐four patients, aged 17–64 years, were evaluated 14 months post‐operatively. Evaluation included a questionnaire containing the Olerud–Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) (Olerud and Molander, 1984) and some additional questions. Patients were also called for a physical and radiographic examination.ResultsThe median OMAS obtained was 75 (range 10–100). Only 10 (19%) of the patients reported complete recovery and 16 (30%) scored ≥90, indicating good function. The results of the following clinical tests were correlated with OMAS: loaded dorsal extension; ankle circumference; number of toe and heel rises; and single‐limb stance. Those who showed poorer results in physical outcome on the affected side had lower OMAS. No ankles with clear mechanical instability were found, although almost half the patients experienced functional instability that, in turn, was associated with decreased total OMAS.ConclusionsBoth subjectively scored function and physical performance after surgically treated ankle fractures indicated poor results. One reason for this might be insufficient rehabilitation. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Knee pain in the ACL‐deficient osteoarthritic knee and its relationship to quality of life
Authors: Hartwick Michael , Meeuwisse Willem , Vandertuin Jacqueline , Maitland Murray 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposePain during activities of daily living is a common presenting complaint of individuals with knee osteoarthritis and anterior cruciate ligament injury. Knee pain is also associated with a decrease in quality of life for people with osteoarthritis. The purpose of the present study was to examine the dose–response relationship between knee joint forces and painful symptoms, and whether the acute symptoms, were associated with individuals' quality of life.MethodThis was a cross‐sectional cohort correlation study. Seventeen individuals with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)‐deficient knees diagnosed with ipsilateral knee osteoarthritis completed the ACL quality of life questionnaire (ACL‐QOL). The subjects also rated pain associated with each of five incremental isometric knee extension tests, proportional to their body weight. Analysis of variance was used to assess the association between pain and normalized torque. Linear regression was used to assess the correlation between the ACL‐QOL score and the total pain experienced during the graded test.ResultsA strong relationship was found between the level of perceived knee pain and the amount of isometric torque produced (Pearson's r = 0.98; p<0.001). There was a statistically significant relationship between pain during the graded isometric test and the ACL‐QOL (Pearson's r = −0.56; p = 0.016).ConclusionsSince knee joint compression is a function of active isometric knee extension torque, increased painful symptoms were associated with increased compression forces at the knee joint for these subjects. The relationship between pain provocation and disease‐specific quality of life provides evidence for the proposed joint provocation test for this subject population. Weakness caused by osteoarthritis (OA) may, in part, be a negative conditioning response that would need to be overcome in rehabilitation. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Retest reliability of dynamic balance during standing in older people after surgical treatment of hip fracture
Authors: Dodd Karen , Hill Keith , Haas Romi , Luke Carolyn , Millard Stephanie 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeComputerized force platform systems are becoming more widely used in clinical practice to measure balance control; however, their retest reliability has not been documented in people with hip fracture. The present study examined the retest reliability of dynamic weight shift during standing in older people after surgical treatment of hip fractures.MethodThis single group test–retest research design employed a computerized force platform system (the Neurocom Pro‐Balance Master; PBM) to measure the amplitude and symmetry of weight shift in 14 patients with unilateral hip fracture on three test occasions held one hour and 24 hours apart. Subjects performed six trials of a forward–backward and side‐to‐side weight shift task at each test session.ResultsThe results showed that reliability was, at best, moderate for forward–backward and side‐to‐side weight shift measures taken over an hour and over a day.ConclusionsClinicians should be cautious when using the computerized balance assessment procedures investigated in this study to assess change in dynamic balance ability in older people during the early stages of rehabilitation after surgical treatment of hip fractures. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Cryotherapy after total knee replacement: a survey of current practice
Authors: Barry Simon , Wallace Louise , Lamb Sarah 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeCryotherapy is commonly used during physio‐therapeutic rehabilitation after total knee replacement (TKR). Evidence for treatment effectiveness is contradictory and there are no clinical guidelines to inform treatment protocols within this patient group. The present survey investigated current cryotherapy practice after TKR throughout the United Kingdom (UK).MethodA postal survey, containing open and closed questions, was distributed to senior inpatient orthopaedic physiotherapists (n = 453).ResultsThe response rate was 67% (304/453) and 58% (263/453) of the responses were completed by physiotherapists who treated TKR patients in the acute phase. Of these, 33% (85/263) routinely applied some form of cryotherapy after TKR. Physiotherapists working in the private sector were more likely to use cryotherapy and had greater access to Cryocuff equipment. The two main methods of cryotherapy application were the Cryocuff device, 59% (155/263) and crushed ice, 30% (79/263). Treatments were applied most frequently between 24 and 48 hours post‐surgery, for 20 minutes, twice a day. Lack of proven efficacy was the most frequently stated reason for not applying cryotherapy treatment, and swelling was the most common indicator for treatment. There was particular uncertainty about the physical management of the Cryocuff device.ConclusionsThere was little consensus with regard to treatment indicators, method of application and the management of cryotherapy after TKR. The results highlight a lack of consistency in the application of cryotherapy after TKR, indicating a need for further research. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
The effect of task uncertainty on muscle activation patterns in 8–10‐year‐old children
Authors: Woo Eunice , Burns Yvonne , Johnston Leanne 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposePostural muscle activity accompanying voluntary arm movements has been researched extensively in adults; however, few studies of this kind have been conducted with children. It is not clear whether children respond like adults to internal perturbations, and if so, whether this response is similar across a variety of task conditions. The aims of the present study were to determine the postural muscle activity demonstrated by 8–10‐year‐old children when performing a rapid shoulder flexion movement and to compare the pattern produced under simple reaction‐time versus complex reaction‐time conditions.MethodFifteen children with typical motor development participated in this comparative design study. The activity of anterior deltoid and contralateral rectus abdominis, internal oblique, erector spinae, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles was recorded via surface electromyography (EMG). Two tasks were performed: a simple task involving a right shoulder flexion movement; and a complex task involving a right or left shoulder flexion movement. Reaction time (RT) and movement time (MT) of the arm action were also recorded.ResultsMuscle latencies in the complex task were longer than those for the simple task, although only the gastrocnemius muscle showed a significant difference (p = 0.013). Reaction time was also significantly later in the complex task (p = 0.003). Movement time was not significantly different between conditions.ConclusionsA decrease in task certainty delayed postural muscle activation and reaction time in children aged 8–10 years. The study also demonstrated that children in this age group utilized a mixed postural strategy rather than a proximal‐to‐distal or distal‐to‐proximal pattern, reported in adult studies. Movement time remained unchanged. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Effect of manual hyperinflation on haemodynamics in an animal model
Authors: Anning Luke , Paratz Jennifer , Wong Wai Pong , Wilson Kathleen 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeManual hyperinflation is a physiotherapy technique that improves static compliance and mobilizes secretions, but has the potential to alter haemo‐dynamic function. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of manual hyperinflation on haemodynamic function in a healthy animal model, without the usual confounding effects inherent in an heterogeneous intensive care population.MethodThe study used a within‐subjects design, in an animal research theatre. Nine healthy sheep (eight Border Leicester, one Merino, mean weight 39.5 kg, standard deviation (SD) 1.6 kg) completed the study. The sheep were induced (thiopentane 15–20 ml), intubated, ventilated and surgically instrumented for an arterial line and pulmonary artery catheter. Anaesthesia was maintained by 1.5% halothane/oxygen. Manual hyperinflation was delivered for two minutes with a Mapleson C circuit, using a peak inspiratory pressure of 35cmH2O and an inspiratory:expiratory ratio of 2:1.ResultsMean tidal volume during manual hyperinflation was 294% (SD 22%) of the ventilator tidal volume. A paired Student's t‐test demonstrated that cardiac output (thermodilution method) decreased significantly (p<0.05) and systemic vascular resistance increased significantly (p<0.01) after manual hyperinflation. A repeated‐measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a least‐significant difference pairwise comparison revealed that mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure decreased significantly during (p<0.01) and increased significantly (mean arterial pressure, p<0.05 and mean pulse pressure p<0.001) after the technique. Pulmonary artery pressure also increased significantly during manual hyperinflation (p<0.01). There were no significant effects on right atrial pressure, pulmonary artery occlusion pressure or heart rate.ConclusionSignificant haemo‐dynamic changes occurred in this animal model. The increased intrathoracic pressure, applied for an increased period during inspiration, decreased cardiac output with compensatory vasoconstriction evident by the increased systemic vascular resistance and mean arterial pressure. The results suggest that there may be a decrease in cardiac output after increased positive pressure in subjects with normal cardiac and respiratory function. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Living with chronic renal failure: patients' experiences of their physical and functional capacity
Authors: Heiwe Susanne , Clyne Naomi , Dahlgren Madeleine Abrandt 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeSeveral studies have shown that patients with chronic renal failure have reduced physical exercise capacity compared with the expected norm. There are, however, few qualitative studies showing ways in which patients experience their condition in terms of physical and functional capacity, and the limitations this imposes on their daily lives. The aim of the present study was to describe and analyse ways in which patients with chronic renal failure, in the pre‐dialysis phase and patients undergoing haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, experienced their physical and functional capacity in their daily lives.MethodSemi‐structured interviews were used to collect data, which were then analysed according to a contextual analysis within a phenomenographic approach.ResultsAnalysis yielded a system of categories describing patients' experiences of mental and physical fatigue, physical and functional capacity, in terms of effect on performance and endurance, and their experience of temporal stress, in terms of lack of time as well as lack of peace in their daily lives.ConclusionsThe results of the study will contribute to our understanding of how these patients experience their daily lives, and will help when meeting patients with chronic renal failure. This knowledge enables physiotherapists to focus rehabilitation training on problem areas that are important to patients themselves. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Forceplate and accelerometer measures for evaluating the effect of muscle fatigue on postural control during one‐legged stance
Authors: Adlerton Anna‐Karin , Moritz Ulrich , Moe‐Nilssen Rolf 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe control of balance is vital in many sporting activities as well as in activities of daily life. In order to treat deficiencies properly valid and reliable methods are needed to evaluate different aspects of stability. Muscle fatigue has been proposed to cause a change in postural control strategy, and the use of different tools and variables might therefore elucidate these changes. The aims of the present study were: to investigate if forceplate and accelerometer measurements about postural control during one‐legged stance indicate changes in postural control strategy after fatiguing exercise; and to investigate the correlation between forceplate and accelerometer measurements obtained before and after fatiguing exercise.MethodThe study used an experimental design. Twenty‐three healthy women (mean age 26.8 years; range 20–34 years) were studied. Forceplate and accelerometer data were obtained simultaneously and consisted of measures of centre of pressure movements and horizontal trunk acceleration in medio‐lateral and antero‐posterior directions. The calf muscles of the right leg were fatigued by repeated heel rises.ResultsThe average amplitude of centre of pressure movements and trunk acceleration increased, whereas the average velocity of centre of pressure movements decreased during fatigue. These changes indicate a change of movement strategy. Moderate correlation between trunk acceleration and centre of pressure movements was seen, confirming the link between the variables, but indicating that different aspects of the ability to control balance were measured.ConclusionsCalf muscle fatigue has a short‐lasting effect on body balance, with measurements indicating a change in postural control strategy. Different tools and variables are needed to identify different balance control strategies. The procedures used in the present study may be modified to identify subjects with inadequate capacity to choose between balance control strategies; they are also applicable in clinical settings outside a laboratory environment. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Goal‐directed upper limb movements by children with and without DCD: a window into perceptuo–motor dysfunction?
Authors: Ameratunga Devini , Johnston Leanne , Burns Yvonne 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeDevelopmental co‐ordination disorder (DCD) occurs in at least 6% of school‐aged children. Researchers agree that motor co‐ordination problems evident in DCD are, in part, the result of perceptual and cognitive processes, but the limited research available remains inconclusive. The present study investigated perceptual–motor abilities, with regard to vision, kinaesthesia and cross‐modal judgement, in children with and without DCD.MethodA cross‐sectional study design was used. Nine children, aged six years (±six months) with DCD, and nine children without DCD, matched for age and gender, participated in the study. The children were required to point with the preferred hand to a target in three different positions under four sensory conditions, either with or without vision. Three‐dimensional motion analysis was used to investigate trajectory lengths, endpoint error and movement time. The results were analysed using a generalized linear mixed model to examine the systematic effects of group, target position and task.ResultsCompared with children without DCD, the children with DCD produced larger endpoint errors, greater movement times and longer trajectories. Children in both groups produced larger endpoint errors, greater movement times and longer trajectories in non‐visually guided aiming versus visually guided aiming tasks.ConclusionsChildren with DCD moved more slowly, with longer movement trajectories and were less accurate than children without DCD when aiming to all target positions under all sensory conditions. The greatest error and trajectory length occurred for both groups when aiming movements were performed in the absence of vision. As children in the DCD group had difficulties with movement executed under kinaesthetic or visual control, the results indicate that the normal advantage of vision displayed by children without DCD is not apparent, and visual and kinaesthetic problems may be present in children with DCD. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Attitudes and beliefs of Brazilian and Australian physiotherapy students towards chronic back pain: a cross‐cultural comparison
Authors: Ferreira Paulo H , Ferreira Manuela L , Latimer Jane , Maher Christopher G , Refshauge Kathryn , Sakamoto Ana , Garofalo Rodrigo 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe attitudes and beliefs of physiotherapists and students can potentially influence the outcome of treatment of low back pain. These attitudes and beliefs may be influenced by external factors, such as ethnicity. No study that compared the attitudes and beliefs of physiotherapy students from different cultural backgrounds, such as from Brazil or Australia, towards chronic low back pain was found. The purpose of the present study was therefore to compare the attitudes and beliefs of Brazilian physiotherapy students with those of Australian physiotherapy students and to published data from North American healthcare providers, and to investigate whether a history of chronic low back pain affects students' attitudes and beliefs.MethodA survey study design was used. Data were collected from 153 Brazilian physiotherapy students and compared with existing data from Australian physiotherapy students who had never been exposed to a chronic low back pain teaching module. Students' attitudes and beliefs were assessed by use of the HC‐PAIRS questionnaire. These data were also compared with published data from North American healthcare providers.ResultsThe Brazilian physiotherapy students had significantly higher scores on the HC‐PAIRS questionnaire than the Australian students and the North American healthcare providers. A previous history of chronic low back pain did not affect students' attitudes and beliefs.ConclusionsAs demonstrated by higher HC‐PAIR scores, the Brazilian physiotherapy students agree more strongly with the notion that low back pain justifies disability and activity limitation than do Australian physiotherapy students and North American healthcare providers. A history of chronic low back pain does not affect students' attitudes and beliefs. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Effect of problem‐based learning on stages of change for exercise behaviour in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Kamwendo Kitty , Tingström Pia , Bergdahl Björn , Svensson Elisabeth 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposePhysical activity plays an important part in preventing coronary artery disease and is targeted in most rehabilitation and education programmes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate stages of change for exercise behaviour in patients with a recent event of coronary artery disease.MethodA randomized two‐group, pre–post‐test design was used. Fifty‐seven subjects were included in the problem‐based learning intervention group and 61 subjects were included in the traditional rehabilitation control group. Data were analysed by intention‐to‐treat. A single‐item five‐category scale, based on the ‘Stages of Change’ model was used to measure the level of exercise behaviour. The statistical analysis used two non‐parametric approaches for ordered categorical data.ResultsThere was a significant systematic change over time towards the extreme scale categories in both groups. This suggested that individuals who were inactive before the intervention regressed, whereas individuals with some interest in physical activity remained static or improved. No significant differences between groups were found.ConclusionProblem‐based learning did not significantly influence patients' progression through exercise behaviour stages. Rehabilitation teams should be observant of inactive participants and their greater risk of regression. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.