bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of the effects of manual and ventilator hyperinflation on static lung compliance and sputum production in intubated and ventilated intensive care patients
Authors: Berney Susan , Denehy Linda 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeLung hyperinflation is a technique used by physiotherapists to mobilize and remove excess bronchial secretions, reinflate areas of pulmonary collapse and improve oxygenation. Hyperinflation may be delivered by the ventilator or manually, by use of a manual resuscitation circuit, depending upon the respiratory and cardiovascular status of the patient. The effects of manual hyperinflation, with respect to excess bronchial secretions and static lung compliance, have been well‐established. There is, however, only limited evidence as to the efficacy of ventilator hyperinflation as a physiotherapy treatment technique. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of manual hyperinflation and ventilator hyperinflation on static pulmonary compliance and sputum clearance in stable intubated and ventilated patients.MethodTwenty patients who met the inclusion criteria were studied. This was a double crossover study where all patients were randomly allocated to one of two treatment sequences over two days. The first sequence involved manual hyperinflation followed two hours later by ventilator hyperinflation and the order was reversed on the second day. In the second sequence, ventilator hyperinflation preceded manual hyperinflation. The variables of static pulmonary compliance and sputum wet weight were analysed by use of an analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsThere was no significant difference in sputum wet weight production between either technique or on either day of treatment. Static pulmonary compliance improved with both hyperinflation techniques (p < 0.05).ConclusionsHyperinflation as part of a physiotherapy treatment can be performed with equal benefit using either a manual resuscitation circuit or a ventilator. Both methods of hyperinflation improve static pulmonary compliance and clear similar volumes of pulmonary secretions. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Are cervical physical outcome measures influenced by the presence of symptomatology?
Authors: Sterling Michele , Jull Gwendolen , Carlsson Ylva , Crommert Louise 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeOutcome measures must be repeatable over time to judge changes as a result of treatment. It is unknown whether the presence of neck pain can affect measurement reliability over a time period when some change could be expected as a result of an intervention. The present study investigated the reliability of two measures, active cervical range of movement (AROM) and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects.MethodA repeated‐measures study design with one week between testing sessions was used. Nineteen healthy asymptomatic subjects and 19 subjects with chronic neck pain participated in the study. The neck movements measured were: flexion, extension, right and left lateral flexion, and axial rotation. PPTs were measured over six bilateral sites, both local and remote to the cervical spine.ResultsThe between‐week intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICCs2,1) for AROM ranged from 0.67 to 0.93 (asymptomatic group) and from 0.64 to 0.88 (chronic neck pain group). Standard error of measurement (SEM) was similar in both groups, from 2.66° to 5.59° (asymptomatic group) and from 2.36° to 6.72° (chronic neck pain group). ICCs2,1 for PPTs ranged from 0.70 to 0.91 (asymptomatic group) and from 0.69 to 0.92 (chronic neck pain group). SEM ranged from 11.14 to 87.71 kPa (asymptomatic group) and from 14.25 to 102.95 kPa (chronic neck pain group).ConclusionsThe findings of moderate to very high between‐week reliability of measures of AROM and PPTs in both asymptomatic and chronic neck pain subjects suggest the presence of symptomatology does not adversely affect reliability of these measures. The results support the use of these measures for monitoring change in chronic neck pain conditions. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
The effect of measurement protocol on active cervical motion in healthy subjects
Authors: Dvir Zeevi , Werner Victoria , Peretz Chava 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeAlthough the assessment of cervical motion is routinely performed in clinical practice, no standard protocol for this procedure has ever been established formally. The specific aim of the present study was to select from four different measurement protocols the one which was most stable in terms of reproducibility and was appropriate for clinical and/or medicolegal applications.MethodA repeated measurement, test–retest of cervical motion study design using an ultrasound‐based system for three‐dimensional (3D) motion analysis; cervical range of motion was measured along the six primary directions: flexion; extension; right and left rotation; and right and left lateral flexion, in 20 healthy subjects who were tested twice over a period of lasting from one to four weeks. ‘Protocol A’ (reciprocal–intermittent testing) consisted of moving the head along a given primary direction, return to the neutral position, a pause and then motion to the opposite primary direction and return to neutral position. These movements were repeated three times. ‘Protocol B’ (reciprocal–continuous testing) was identical to Protocol A, but without the pause between the primary directions. ‘Protocol C’ consisted of three repetitions of the same primary direction with a break between two consecutive primary directions. Three sets of six randomly ordered primary directions constituted ‘Protocol D’.ResultsProtocol D was associated with a significantly smaller range of motion and with the least intra‐test reproducibility, as indicated by the coefficient of variation. The differences between the other protocols were largely negligible.ConclusionIn routine clinical practice, either of protocols A, B or C may be applied. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Reliability of detecting ‘onset of pain’ and ‘submaximal pain’ during neural provocation testing of the upper quadrant
Authors: Coppieters Michel , Stappaerts Karel , Janssens Koen , Jull Gwendolen 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeConflicting results have been reported with regard to the reliability of neural tissue provocation tests and it is unclear whether repeated testing affects the test results. In the present study, the stability and reliability of the occurrence of ‘onset of pain’ and ‘submaximal pain’ throughout the range of motion during neurodynamic testing was analysed, in both a laboratory and a clinical setting.MethodA repeated‐measures study design within and between sessions was used. In the laboratory and clinical settings, the base neurodynamic test for the median nerve was performed during a single session on a total of 27 patients with neurogenic cervico‐brachial pain. In addition, the base test and three common variations were performed on two occasions by two examiners on 10 asymptomatic subjects in laboratory conditions only. Patients indicated the moment of ‘submaximal pain’ occurrence, whereas asymptomatic subjects indicated ‘onset of pain’ and ‘submaximal pain’. Corresponding angles at the elbow were recorded by use of an electrogoniometer.ResultsIn the asymptomatic group, the intra‐ and inter‐tester reliability within the same session was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1 ≥ 0.95; standard error of measurement (SEM) ≤4.9°). Reliability after a 48‐hour interval was moderate (ICC2,1 ≥ 0.69; SEM ≤ 9.9°). The reliability coefficients for the symptomatic group within the same session were comparable with the excellent results of the asymptomatic group, for both the laboratory (ICC2,1 = 0.98; SEM = 2.8°) and clinical settings (ICC2,1 ≥ 0.98; SEM ≤ 3.4°). Consequently, from a statistical perspective, improvements in range of motion as small as approximately 7.5° may be interpreted meaningfully. No significant trend due to repeated testing could be observed when three consecutive repetitions were analysed.ConclusionsPain provocation during neurodynamic testing is a stable phenomenon and the range of elbow extension corresponding with the moment of ‘pain onset’ and ‘submaximal pain’ may be measured reliably, both in laboratory and clinical conditions. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
An evaluation of a single chest physiotherapy treatment on mechanically ventilated patients with acute lung injury
Authors: Barker Michael , Adams Sally 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeAcute lung injury is a lung pathology that presents frequently on the intensive care unit. Chest physiotherapy, in the form of endotracheal suction, alternate side‐lying and manual hyperinflation, is usually given to patients with this condition with the intention of removing retained pulmonary secretions and recruiting collapsed distal lung units. Despite this common practice there is insufficient research on the effects of chest physiotherapy in patients with acute lung injury being ventilated mechanically. The aim of the present study was to further understanding of the effects of three modes of treatment in chest physiotherapy in an acute lung injury patient group.MethodThis randomized, controlled trial investigated all mechanically ventilated patients with acute lung injury admitted to the adult intensive care unit at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust between August 1996 and July 1997, who matched the inclusion criteria. Patients were randomized into one of three treatment groups: Group 1 (suctioned only); Group 2 (positioned and suctioned); and Group 3 (positioned, manually hyperinflated and suctioned). Baseline and 10, 30 and 60 minutes' post‐treatment data were recorded for dynamic pulmonary compliance, arterial blood gases and haemodynamic variables. Results were analysed by use of an SPSS software package with a repeated‐measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsEighteen patients fitted the inclusion criteria. Significant changes were observed in both PaCO2 (p = 0.026) and dynamic compliance (p = 0.019) over time for all three groups. The arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen ratio (PaO2:FiO2) did not alter significantly in any of the groups. With respect to other oxygenation parameters, mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) showed a significant difference between the groups. Heart rate (HR) and systemic blood pressure (BP) showed statistically significant, but not clinically significant differences over time.ConclusionsPatients with acute lung injury are notably complex to nurse and may require protracted physiotherapy intervention, which may take many forms. As de‐recruitment was the single most important event that occurred in the present study population, a prescriptive chest physiotherapy approach to treating mechanically ventilated patients with acute lung should be questioned and adapted accordingly. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Physiotherapists' use of touch in inpatient settings
Authors: Roger John , Darfour Daniel , Dham Anil , Hickman Orit , Shaubach Laura , Shepard Katherine 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeAlthough touch is a basic element in the practice of physiotherapy, no research has been done to establish the type and purpose of practitioner touch in clinical settings. The purpose of the present study was to determine how physiotherapists use touch in inpatient acute and rehabilitation settings.MethodFifteen physiotherapists with three or more years' experience were videotaped treating two to three patients. The participant physiotherapists reviewed a videotape of themselves and described the types of touch used and their intent behind each touch. Cross‐case analysis was used to determine common themes in the descriptions. Mutually exclusive categories of touch were then refined, based on the cases.ResultsThe most common types of touch used by physiotherapists included assistive touch, touch used to prepare the patient, touch to provide information, caring touch, touch to provide a therapeutic intervention, and touch used to perceive information. The physiotherapists also used 33 different combinations of touch, that is, a single touch used for more than one purpose.ConclusionsInpatient physiotherapists clearly perform in a ‘high touch’ arena. Clinical experience was reported as the strongest factor in developing the physiotherapists' sensitivity to patient needs and their skill in using specific types of touch. Further research is needed concerning the way patients perceive and respond to the presence or absence of these various forms of practitioner touch. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Short‐wave diathermy: current clinical and safety practices
Authors: Shields Nora , Gormley John , O'Hare Neil 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeShort‐wave diathermy (SWD) is widely available, yet a comprehensive examination of current clinical practice remains absent from the literature. The present paper aims to assess clinical and safety issues in continuous (CSWD) and pulsed (PSWD) short‐wave diathermy application and subsequently indicate areas for future research.MethodA postal survey was carried out among 116 senior physiotherapists in 41 Irish hospital‐based physiotherapy departments.ResultsThe response rate to the study was 75%. Analysis found that PSWD was the preferred mode of treatment with 27% of respondents using it more than once daily. Respondents considered both modes of treatment indicated for a variety of conditions. CSWD was rated as an effective treatment for chronic osteoarthritis, polyarthritis, non‐specific arthrosis and haematomas. PSWD was reported an effective modality for acute soft tissue injury, haematomas, acute osteoarthritis, sinusitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Dose selection varied greatly but tended to be based on the type, nature and duration of the condition. Analysis of safety practices uncovered concerning findings. Although a high level of agreement was found on measures for patient safety, 30% of respondents reported that no measures for operator safety were taken and only five respondents stated they remained a specified distance from SWD equipment. Measures to ensure the safety of other personnel in the physiotherapy department were also lacking.ConclusionsGiven the availability of SWD equipment and its apparent efficacy in certain conditions, future research should aim to establish this by means of controlled clinical trials. The findings on safety practices underline the urgent need for comprehensive guidelines to ensure the safety of operators, patients and the general public during SWD application. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Low back pain in individuals with chronic airflow limitation and their partners — A preliminary prevalence study
Authors: Synnot Anneliese , Williams Marie 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe prevalence of low back pain in individuals with chronic airflow limitation, and their partners, is unknown. Individuals with chronic airflow limitation, and their respective partners, are likely to have several risk factors that may increase the predisposition for low back pain. The aim of the present study was to provide preliminary data on the prevalence of low back pain in individuals with chronic airflow limitation, and their partners.MethodA cross‐sectional observational study design was used. Individuals with chronic airflow limitation, and their partners, were approached at South Australian metropolitan Lung Support Group meetings and invited to participate in the study. Three commonly used questionnaires: theMedical Outcomes Survey Short‐Form 36(MOS SF‐36); theSt George's Respiratory Questionnaire(SGRQ); and the Nordic Low Back Pain Questionnaire (NLBPQ) were used to collect data on general health, respiratory health and low back pain prevalence, respectively. Odds ratios and independent Student'st‐tests were used to analyse data by use ofEpi Info Version 6.0software.ResultsSixty subjects participated in the study: 41 individuals with chronic airflow limitation and 19 partners of individuals with chronic airflow limitation. The lifetime, 12‐month and seven‐day prevalence of low back pain in individuals with chronic airflow limitation was 69%, 58% and 31%, respectively. The prevalence of low back pain in the partners of individuals with chronic airflow limitation was found to be higher, at 74%, 68% and 58 %, respectively. Four significant relationships between general and respiratory health, and low back pain were demonstrated for individuals with chronic airflow limitation.ConclusionsThe prevalence of low back pain in individuals with chronic airflow limitation was comparable to the lifetime prevalence for the general and older population, and greater than the 12‐month prevalence reported for the older population. The prevalence of low back pain for the partners of individuals with chronic airflow limitation was consistently higher than the lifetime and 12‐month prevalence reported for individuals with chronic airflow limitation, the older population and family care workers. These findings suggest a larger prevalence study of low back pain in individuals with chronic airflow limitation, and their partners, is warranted. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Intra‐tester reproducibility of pressure biofeedback in measurement of transversus abdominis function
Authors: Storheim Kjersti , Bø Kari , Pederstad Olav , Jahnsen Reidun 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeStrength, co‐ordination and timing of transversus abdominis muscle contraction may be important in stabilizing the low back, and contraction of this particular abdominal muscle may be one factor capable of preventing and reducing low back pain in sport and in activities of daily living. The function and strength of the transversus abdominis muscle is difficult to measure. The pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) is a device designed to teach and measure transversus abdominis muscle function. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate intra‐tester reproducibility of the PBU.MethodThe study used a test–retest design. Fifteen healthy subjects (mean age 22.2 years, range 19–28 years) with no history of low back pain participated in the study. After two sessions of practising transversus abdominis muscle contraction, its function was measured in prone position with the PBU device placed over the transversus abdominis muscle. Subjects were instructed to draw in the abdominal wall (for example, lifting it away from the device) after a standardized procedure. Two tests were conducted on two different days, with a seven‐day interval inbetween.ResultsCoefficient of variance (CV) was 21.0% and the standard deviation (SD) of Δ was 1.59.ConclusionThe use of the PBU should be improved for scientific purposes. However, the device may have a role in providing biofeedback to assist in the instruction of correct transversus abdominis muscle contraction. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Long term effects of exercise training on physical activity level and quality of life in elderly coronary patients — A three‐ to six‐year follow‐up
Authors: Hage Camilla , Mattsson Eva , Ståhle Agneta 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposePhysical activity and exercise as part of cardiac rehabilitation after an acute coronary event improves exercise capacity and quality of life in most patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate physical activity level, health‐related quality of life (HRQL) and perceived health three to six years after an acute myocardial infarction or an episode of unstable angina pectoris in elderly patients and compare this to earlier follow‐up examination data.MethodStudy design: three to six years (mean 4.4 years) after randomization a questionnaire about physical activity level, HRQL and perceived health was mailed to all subjects alive (n = 93) (response rate 96ResultsSince the one‐year follow‐up examination eight subjects had died: five in the intervention group and three in the control group. At randomization, the level of physical activity level was similar in the two groups. Those in the intervention group improved their level of physical activity significantly over time (p = 0.05) in contrast to the control group. Measurements of HRQL showed no statistical difference between the groups by use of the EuroQol instrument. However, a small advantage for the intervention group measured over time was noted.ConclusionIt is important to include elderly patients in cardiac rehabilitation programmes after an acute coronary event, since even a short period of supervised exercise training has the potential to positively influence physical activity level for as long as three to six years. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Perceived pain and self‐estimated activity limitations in women with back pain post‐partum
Authors: Nilsson‐Wikmar Lena , Pilo Christina , Pahlbäck Margareta , Harms‐Ringdahl Karin 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeIn the general population many daily activities have an impact on low back pain. The aim of the present study was to describe pain intensity, localization, type of sensation and perceived activity limitation in women with different back pain patterns post‐partum.MethodIn this cross‐sectional survey 119 women with back pain persisting for two months after having given birth were interviewed and examined on average 7.2 months (range 6–10 months) post‐partum. Based on pain provocation tests, four different back pain pattern groups were identified. Pain could be provoked in the area of the posterior pelvic/sacroiliac joints, in the lumbar spine, both in the posterior pelvic/sacroiliac joints and in the lumbar spine, and in none of the above areas. All women rated pain intensity on a visual analogue scale (VAS, 0–100 mm), and the pain localization and type of sensation were indicated on a pain drawing. They scored their activity limitations by use of the Disability Rating Index (DRI), which covers 12 daily activity items (VAS, 0–100 mm).ResultsThere was no significant difference (p = 0.12) in pain intensity (range of medians 19.5–10 mm) between the four groups. However, on average, most areas in the lower back (median 5 mm (range 2–14 mm)), were marked in the group with pain in both the posterior pelvic/sacroiliac joints and in the lumbar spine. The women in the three groups where pain was provoked in the lower area of the back had significantly (p < 0.01) more difficulties with movement‐related daily activities than the group where no pain could be provoked.ConclusionsThe findings of this descriptive study suggest that back pain post‐partum provoked by clinical tests considerably hampers movement‐related activities. It seems important to pay special attention to the women where pain could be provoked in the lower back areas. The women should be identified early in the post‐partum period to initiate adequate treatment. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.