bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes after trans‐tibial amputation: the relationship between quiet stance ability, strength of hip abductor muscles and gait
Authors: Nadollek Heidi , Brauer Sandra , Isles Rosemary 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposePrevious research regarding the symmetry of trans‐tibial amputees has examined weight distribution and various gait parameters between prosthetic and sound limbs. However, to date, no known research has determined if asymmetry is present in the strength of the hip abductor muscles or if correlations exist between these categories of symmetry. The purpose of the present study was, therefore, to document asymmetry present in stance, strength and gait measures, and to determine the relationship between these variables.MethodTwenty‐three elderly, unilateral trans‐tibial amputees stood on two adjacent forceplates whilst the weight distribution and standard deviation (SD) of the anterior‐posterior and the medio‐lateral centre of pressure excursion (COPE) under each limb was recorded during four 40 s trials: quiet stance (QS), with eyes open and eyes closed; and even stance (ES), with eyes open and eyes closed. Gait measures (velocity, cadence, step and stride lengths, stance:swing ratio and period of double support) over 10 m of fast, yet safe walking and measures of the strength of hip abductor muscles were also obtained by use of a stride analyser and a dynamometer, respectively.ResultsNo significant differences were found between QS and ES measures. However, significantly more weight was taken on the sound limb than on the amputated limb. Notably, more anterior‐posterior movement occurred under the sound limb than the amputated limb, with this becoming more apparent with the eyes closed. Movement in the medio‐lateral direction was found to be the same between sides. No differences in muscle strength or gait measures between limbs were demonstrated. However. strong hip abductor muscles were correlated with increased weight‐bearing on the amputated limb, improved gait parameters and reduced medio‐lateral COPE under the amputated limb.ConclusionsThis research confirms the asymmetrical nature of amputee stance and demonstrates symmetry of strength and gait measures between limbs. The correlations between hip abductor muscle strength, weight distribution and gait measures illustrates the importance of pre‐ and postoperative training of these muscles. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
A study of the facilitation of respiration in myotonic dystrophy
Authors: Nitz Jennifer , Burke Brandon 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeDystrophia myotonica or myotonic dystrophy is a progressive neuromuscular disorder in which patients demonstrate an irregular respiratory pattern and are particularly subject to cardiopulmonary compromise. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of both proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and staged basal expansion (SBE) breathing exercises in subjects with myotonic dystrophy in two different positions: high support sitting and left side‐lying.MethodA randomized, double‐blind study design was used. Seven non‐congenital myotonic dystrophy subjects took part in the study. Six ‘treatment’ levels were applied to each subject: resting in high support sitting; resting in left side‐lying; PNF of deep breathing in high support sitting; PNF of deep breathing in left side‐lying; SBE in high support sitting and SBE in left side‐lying. The outcome measures employed were arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate, as measured by oximetry and thoraco‐abdominal motion (TAM), and respiratory rate, as measured by a pneumograph.ResultsThe PNF technique was found to be the main contributor to improvement in SpO2 for subjects with myotonic dystrophy, where a 2.2% increase was found in the high support sitting position and a 2.6% increase was found in the left side‐lying position. There was an increase of between 377% and 556% in TAM during application of both treatment techniques, in either the high support sitting or left side‐lying positions. Respiratory rate declined between 15% and 30% immediately after treatment application and heart rate dropped slightly by between 0.2% and 4.1%.ConclusionThe present study provides objective evidence that application of these respiratory physiotherapy interventions elicits an improvement in respiratory function in subjects with myotonic dystrophy. Further research into the physiological effects of these techniques could explore the mechanisms responsible for improvement in respiratory indices. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Examination of passive ROM and capsular patterns in the hip
Authors: Klässbo Maria , Harms‐Ringdahl Karin , Larsson Gerry 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe present study was conducted to examine passive hip range of motion (PROM) for patients with hip dysfunction, including pain, with or without hip osteoarthritis, to arrange and describe PROM patterns and to count the number of hips presenting Cyriax's and Kaltenborn's capsular patterns.MethodThe study is theory‐testing, observational, cross‐sectional and descriptive. One hundred and sixty‐eight patients (mean age 61.7 years, range 36–90 years), 50 with no hip osteoarthritis, 77 with unilateral hip osteoarthritis and 41 with bilateral osteoarthritis, based on radiological reports, were consecutively recruited by physicians in primary health care and orthopaedic settings. One examiner tested PROM bilaterally, by use of a goniometer and a standardized protocol. PROM limitations were calculated by comparing norms from the symptom‐free hips (n = 100) in the study, from Kaltenborn and, in patients with unilateral hip osteoarthritis (n = 77), from the non‐osteoarthritis hip. The limitations were arranged by size in PROM patterns. The patterns and the numbers of hips with patterns corresponding to Cyriax's and Kaltenborn's capsular patterns were counted.ResultsBetween 68 and 138 PROM patterns were identified by use of different PROM norms for defining limitations. Few osteoarthritis hips showed Cyriax's capsular pattern and none Kaltenborn's capsular pattern.ConclusionsThe concept of capsular pattern for the hip should be re‐examined. No support was found in the present study for its existence. It is impossible to anticipate radiological evidence of hip osteoarthritis from the multitude of PROM patterns. Every patient should be regarded as unique. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Examination of movement in patients with long‐lasting musculoskeletal pain: reliability and validity
Authors: Kvåle Alice , Ljunggren Anne Elisabeth , Johnsen Tom Backer 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeAn examination method based on psychosomatic physiotherapy, with 24 standardized tests related to general aspects of mobility, flexibility and the ability to relax, is used in some pain and rehabilitation clinics in Scandinavia in order to document where — and to what degree — patients have aberrations within the domain ‘movement’. The measurement properties of the movement tests have, however, not been investigated in patients with long‐lasting musculoskeletal pain. The aims of the present study were, therefore, to investigate inter‐tester reliability and validity (construct, discriminative and concurrent validity) related to movement.MethodThe study design was cross‐sectional. Reliability was examined by three physiotherapists examining 19 people. Construct validity was studied by means of structural equation modelling (SEM). Discriminative validity was examined by comparing movement data from 247 patients with long‐lasting musculoskeletal pain, and 104 healthy subjects. The patient sample was categorized according to localized or widespread pain, and movement scores compared between the groups. Most patients filled in a psychological screening questionnaire (MMPI‐2), plus information about pain intensity and function, and concurrent validity of the movement measures were examined by correlation.ResultsSEM results indicated a modified movement scale, consisting of 16 items in four subscales. Both the original and modified versions showed good reliability, and scores differed significantly between healthy subjects and patients, and between patients with localized versus widespread pain. A relationship was found between the movement tests and psychological characteristics, but mainly in patients with widespread pain. Significant relationships were found between the ability to relax and pain, and between all aspects of movement and function.ConclusionsMovement may be reliably and validly assessed with composite scores from 4×4 items. The method may be useful as a global screening instrument in order to examine where, and to what extent, patients with long‐lasting pain problems have movement aberrations; findings to be addressed in treatment. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Effect of manual lymph drainage after hindfoot operations
Authors: Kessler Thomas , de Bruin Eling , Brunner Florian , Vienne Patrick , Kissling Rudolf 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeManual lymph drainage therapy is often prescribed following hindfoot operations. However, the relative efficacy of this treatment component has not yet been determined.MethodA two‐group pre‐test–post‐test study design was used in this preliminary randomized clinical trial of 23 subjects who underwent hindfoot surgery. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups: an intervention group of 11 patients who received standard physiotherapy plus manual lymph drainage; and a control group of 12 patients who received standard physiotherapy but no lymph drainage. The main outcome measure was the percentage reduction in excess limb volume, measured by the water displacement method at the second post‐operative day (t1) and at the day of discharge (t2).ResultsCompared to the control group, a significant reduction in post‐operative swelling was measured in the intervention group only (p = 0.011).ConclusionsApplication of lymph drainage techniques after hindfoot operations, in combination with standard physiotherapy exercises, achieves greater limb volume reduction than exercise alone. The present study offers an insight into a treatment that may shorten rehabilitation and thereby control the cost of caring for post‐operative treatment complicated by post‐operative swelling. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Impact of an exercise and walking protocol on quality of life for elderly people with OA of the knee
Authors: Corrêa Dias Rosângela , Domingues Dias João Marcos , Ramos Luiz Roberto 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe knee is the weight‐bearing joint most commonly affected by osteoarthritis (OA). The symptoms of pain, morning stiffness of short duration and physical dysfunction in the activities of daily living (ADL) can have an effect on many aspects of health, affecting quality of life. Regular and moderate physical activity adapted to individuals' life‐styles and education, and joint protection strategies have been advocated as conservative management. The purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of an exercise and walking protocol on the quality of life of elderly people with knee OA.MethodThe study design was a randomized controlled clinical trial. The subjects comprised 50 elderly people, aged 65 or more, with knee OA who had been referred to the geriatric outpatient unit for rehabilitation. Changes in severity of pain and quality of life were compared between a control group (CG) and an experimental group (EG). Both groups participated in an educational session and the EG also received a 12‐week exercise and walking protocol. Both groups were assessed at baseline and after three and six months by an independent observer. The Lequesne Index of Knee OA Severity (LI), the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and the Medical Outcomes Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36) were used as measurement instruments.ResultsIn the CG, the measures of quality of life (SF‐36), the HAQ and the LI between subjects did not yield statistically significant differences over the three measurement points. For the EG, there was a significant improvement in function, measured by HAQ, and decreasing OA symptom severity, measured by LI. For the SF‐36 there were significant improvements in physical function, functional role limitation and pain. Comparisons between the groups showed statistically significant differences after three and six months for all measures, except for the SF‐36 emotional domains.ConclusionThe exercise protocol and walking programme had a positive effect on the quality of life of elderly individuals with knee OA. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Age‐ and gender‐related changes in the temporal‐spatial characteristics of forwards and backwards gaits
Authors: Laufer Yocheved 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeBackward walking is used increasingly as a rehabilitation technique for individuals with neurological and orthopaedic impairments. The purpose of the present study was to examine changes in the temporal‐spatial characteristics of gait resulting from walking backwards as opposed to forwards, and to determine age and gender effects on these changes.MethodThirty young and 40 aged, independently functioning, subjects were asked to walk forwards and backwards across a computer‐based walkway system, providing data on gait velocity, stride length, cadence, swing phase and double support phase. Subjects were divided into groups based on age (young and old) and gender, and each subject was tested under two walking conditions (forwards and backwards). Five temporal‐spatial gait parameters were evaluated separately as a function of the three independent variables, with the walking condition repeated for each subject.ResultsBackwards ambulation is characterized by a slower velocity, shorter stride length and an increased double support phase in both young and older adults. These changes were significantly greater in the older subjects, among whom the swing phase was also decreased. Cadence, however, was not affected by direction of ambulation in either group. The female subjects had a shorter stride length in both movement directions, associated with reduced speed only in backwards ambulation.ConclusionsOlder individuals are capable of walking backwards for short distances. However, changes in gait characteristics typical to the reversal of movement direction are accentuated with age. These effects must be considered when planning to use backwards ambulation as a rehabilitation technique for older individuals. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Concurrent validity of the Berg Balance Scale and the Dynamic Gait Index in people with vestibular dysfunction
Authors: Whitney Susan , Wrisley Diane , Furman Joseph 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe Berg Balance Scale is a reliable and valid measure that is used to assess characteristics of balance. The Dynamic Gait Index is a relatively new measure that has been used to record dynamic gait tasks in people with vestibular dysfunction. The purpose of the present study was to determine the concurrent validity of the Dynamic Gait Index with the Berg Balance Scale in people with vestibular disorders.MethodA retrospective review of the charts of people who met the criteria of having completed both the Berg Balance Scale and the Dynamic Gait Index during their first physiotherapy visit. Seventy patients (19 male, 51 female) were identified through the retrospective review of the charts of people referred for vestibular rehabilitation with varying diagnoses of vestibular and balance dysfunction. All were seen at a tertiary medical centre in an outpatient physiotherapy setting. Their age range was from 14 to 88 years (mean 65 years).ResultsCorrelation between the scores on the Dynamic Gait Index and the Berg Balance Scale was moderate but significant by use of the Spearman rank order correlation (r= 0.71;p<01). No difference was found between scores on the Dynamic Gait Index or Berg Balance Scale based on gender or diagnosis. A significant difference was identified on the Berg Balance Scale between older and younger people with vestibular disorders. Using previously established criteria to determine increased risk of falling, the Berg Balance Scale and the Dynamic Gait Index agreed 63% of the time.ConclusionsThe moderate correlation between the Dynamic Gait Index and the Berg Balance Scale establishes the concurrent validity of the Dynamic Gait Index in people with vestibular dysfunction. Both these measures provide valuable information to clinicians about patients' functional balance capabilities. However, the lack of perfect correlation indicates that the tests measure different aspects of balance. The Dynamic Gait Index appears to be a more sensitive assessment tool in identifying people with vestibular disorders who are at increased risk for falling, based on currently published criteria. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Head stabilization strategies in the sagittal plane during locomotor tasks
Authors: Cromwell Ronita , Schurter Jane , Shelton Scott , Vora Sagira 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeHead stability is the dynamic process of maintaining an equilibrium position of the head‐in‐space. Individuals with vestibular deficits restrict head movements during dynamic activities in an effort to adapt to vestibular loss. However, this strategy does not provide them with a successful means for adaptation during dynamic tasks where head movements are required. Therefore, identification of successful head stabilization strategies is the first step towards improving the rehabilitation of these patients. The purpose of the present study was twofold: to characterize the sagittal plane head stabilization response during walking; and to identify successful head stabilization strategies during normal walking and during a walking task that challenged head stability.MethodThe study used a repeated‐measures design. Eight healthy volunteers walked normally (normal condition) and walked whilst swinging their arms at twice the natural frequency (frequency condition). Head and trunk angular velocities were measured to determine head velocity magnitudes, and head‐on‐trunk, with respect to trunk gains and phases across the frequency spectrum of walking.ResultsThe frequency condition increased the challenge to head stabilization and produced phases indicative of increased head stability (p<0.05). Post hoc analyses revealed that the shift in phase occurred at higher frequencies (>8 Hz) (p<0.05). Increased head velocity magnitudes (p<0.05) accompanied by decreased variability (p<0.05) were also found at higher frequencies for the frequency condition.ConclusionsThe results were indicative of a tightly controlled movement strategy that ensured head stabilization under conditions where head stability was challenged. This strategy was characterized by head‐on‐trunk movement that was equal and opposite to trunk motion. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Movements of the pelvis and lumbar spine during walking in people with acute low back pain
Authors: Taylor Nicholas , Goldie Patricia , Evans Owen 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeLittle is known about how acute low back pain affects pelvic and lumbar movements during walking. The aim of the present study was to determine if measurement of the amplitude of the angular movements of the pelvis and lumbar spine during walking is useful in the evaluation of people with acute low back pain.MethodThe study used a repeated‐measures and correlational design; 11 individuals with low back pain (tested in the acute phase and six weeks later when symptoms had resolved) and matched control subjects were tested during treadmill walking. A video‐analysis system was used to measure the amplitudes of movements of the pelvis and lumbar spine during walking. Pain level was measured with a visual analogue scale (VAS).ResultsDuring walking, movements of the pelvis (axial rotation) and lumbar spine (lateral flexion) were reduced in people with acute back pain compared with the resolved condition, but were not different from a group without a history of back pain. The amplitudes of the frontal plane movements of the pelvis and lumbar spine were negatively correlated with the intensity of pain (rs = −0.74).ConclusionsMeasurement of pelvic and lumbar movements during walking is unlikely to have useful clinical applications for individuals, or when discriminating between impaired and unimpaired people, but may be applied to groups for hypothesis testing in evaluating change in back pain over time. An hypothesized model to explain the observed movements has been proposed. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Making words count: the value of qualitative research
Authors: Johnson Ros , Waterfield Jackie 
Published: March 2006

AbstractIn the current climate of evidence‐based practice, physiotherapy is urged to prove its worth via rigorous scientific research. However, there are concerns that limited methodologies are used to explore complex therapeutic issues, and that the profession relies too heavily on quantitative research studies to provide its evidence base. Qualitative research methods are able to explore the complexity of human behaviour and generate deeper understanding of illness behaviours and therapeutic interactions. Nevertheless, there is still a sense of distrust of qualitative research, related to the challenge of evaluating both the quality and usefulness of findings derived through qualitative methods. This discussion paper explores these issues. It examines some of the most frequently used techniques aimed at ensuring quality and value in qualitative research, such as sampling, triangulation, multiple coding, respondent validation and the use of audit trails, as well as addressing reflexivity. Because of the pluralistic and interactive nature of qualitative inquiry, the criteria used to judge quality need to be appropriate to each piece of research and should provide evidence to help readers to evaluate the calibre of the study and its relevance to their own area of work. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Measurement of headache frequency, intensity and duration: comparison of patient report by questionnaire and headache diary
Authors: Niere Kennneth , Jerak Ana 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe efficacy of interventions for headache is often based on patient estimates of the headache parameters of frequency, intensity and duration, which can be ascertained from interview, by questionnaire or from a headache diary. The aim of the present study was to test the accuracy of retrospective patient reports of headache frequency, intensity and duration, with respect to measures derived from a daily headache diary.MethodForty participants suffering from least one headache per month completed a daily headache diary for four weeks. At the end of the four‐week period participants completed a questionnaire requiring them to estimate the frequency, usual duration and usual intensity of their headaches. Spearman rank correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship between diary and questionnaire data.ResultsCorrelation coefficients (Spearman's rho) for questionnaire and diary data for headache frequency and duration were 0.80 and 0.72, respectively, whereas that for intensity was 0.51.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that when compared with the use of a headache diary, patient estimations of headache frequency and duration by questionnaire are reasonably accurate. Headache intensity appears to be more difficult to remember and report, possibly because of the multidimensional nature of pain, as opposed to the temporal characteristics of frequency and duration. It is recommended that frequency and duration be preferred over intensity as outcome measures if questionnaires or retrospective reports are used. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.