bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Socio‐affective characteristics and properties of extrinsic feedback in physiotherapy
Authors: Talvitie Ulla 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe usual approach in physiotherapy is to communicate the desired action by means of some combination of verbal instruction and explanation, visual demonstration and manual assistance. Patients' and physiotherapists' communication and acts express socio‐affective elements which influence the atmosphere governing this interaction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the socio‐affective characteristics of the verbal, visual and manual feedback given to their patients by physiotherapists in the performance of their duties.MethodData were collected by videotaping patient–physiotherapist interaction. Systematic observation was used to depict physiotherapists' and patients' verbal and physical communications. The observation instrument consisted of the categories of verbal communication, physical activities and the socio‐affective features of communication.ResultsThe physiotherapists used verbal and physical guidance more and visual guidance less. In the main, the properties of the feedback given were motivational and reinforcing. Information feedback appeared very seldom. Verbal cues were mostly short comments. The main significance of manual cueing was in the tactile input that was used in orienting patients to produce the correct movement. The most effective way of helping patients to understand the purpose of the action and the sequential organization of the subroutine of the movement was to give a demonstration containing the relevant visual and verbal cues.ConclusionsThe extensive use of verbal and manual guidance found in this study needs to be thought over carefully, especially as physiotherapists seemed to use these techniques more as routine than as a result of careful consideration. The socio‐affective atmosphere seems to influence physiotherapists' ways of giving feedback to their patients. Further research is needed to determine the most effective way of arranging guidance strategies for physiotherapists to produce effective feedback. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Is dosage of physiotherapy a critical factor in deciding patterns of recovery from stroke: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial
Authors: Partridge Cecily , Mackenzie Mathew , Edwards Susan , Reid Andrea , Jayawardena Sue , Guck Nikki , Potter Jonathon 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe best treatment and management of stroke patients has been shown to be in stroke units by multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams. Since the composition of stroke units differs it is important to know the extent to which the different components contribute to this result. Physiotherapy is one component of most rehabilitation teams and recent systematic reviews have shown that patients with stroke receiving more physiotherapy achieve more recovery from disability. However, information about the actual amounts of physiotherapy needed to achieve this result is not known.MethodA pragmatic, randomized, single‐blind, controlled trial comparing recovery from disability in subjects receiving the current standard amount of 30 minutes' physiotherapy with those receiving double that amount (60 minutes). The study included measures of physical performance and function, psychological aspects of anxiety and depression, and perceived control over recovery.ResultsSome 114 subjects were recruited to the study; full six‐week data are available for 104 subjects and six‐month data for 93 subjects. Comparison of initial to six‐week difference scores in the control and intervention groups of the whole sample did not show a significant difference. Scrutiny of the recovery curves of the whole sample showed that, in half the sample, three distinct patterns of recovery were demonstrated.ConclusionThese results suggest that doubling the physiotherapy time available for patients in a stroke unit will not provide a measurable benefit for all patients. The subgroup analysis of patterns of recovery must be regarded as speculative, but provides the basis for hypotheses about those likely to respond well to more intensive therapy. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Reliability of goniometric measurements and visual estimates of hip ROM in patients with osteoarthrosis
Authors: Holm Inger , Bolstad Bjørg , Lütken Teresa , Ervik Anne , Røkkum Magne , Steen Harald 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeRange of motion (ROM) measurements have been included in several hip scores evaluating the results after hip surgery. The clinical procedures of performing these measurements vary and disagreement exists about the accuracy of visual estimatess compared to goniometer measurements. The purpose of this study was to study the reliability of goniometric measurements and visual estimates of hip ROM in patients with osteoarthrosis.MethodHip ROM measurements (abduction, adduction, extension, flexion and internal/external rotation) were recorded by four different teams on the same day and were repeated one week later. Teams 1, 2 and 3 consisted of physiotherapists using standardized goniometric measurements. Team 4 involved an experienced orthopaedic surgeon making the assessments from visual estimates only. Twenty‐five patients (6 M, 19 F; mean age 68.5 years, range 46–76 years) with osteoarthrosis of the hip, verified both clinically and radiologically, participated in the study.ResultsWith the exception of abduction (p=0.03), there were no significant differences between the measurements recorded on the first and the second occasions for the same teams. The coefficient of variance was 5.5% for flexion (lowest) and 26.1% for extension (highest). Reproducibility was best for flexion. There was also high reliability when all the arcs of motion were summed up (abuction + adduction + extension + flexion + internal/external rotation). With the exception of internal rotation, there were highly significant differences between the teams when two people performed the measurements compared to the values measured by a single individual. Concordance, expressed as the standardized agreement index, between visual estimates made by one individual (the orthopaedic surgeon) and goniometric measurements made by two experienced physiotherapists, were 0.77–0.83 which indicates good agreement.ConclusionThe reproducibility of hip ROM measurements was highest for flexion. There was also high reliability when all the six arcs of motion were summed up. Concordance between visual estimates and goniometric measurements indicates good agreement. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Accuracy of prediction of walking for young stroke patients by use of the FIM
Authors: Thornton Heather , Jackson Diana , Turner‐Stokes Lynne 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeClinical prediction of walking outcome after a stroke is essential for effective discharge planning. However, its accuracy has hardly been explored. This study took place in a regional unit admitting patients with complex neurological disabilities for specialist inpatient rehabilitation. The aim was to compare predicted outcome (goal score) with achieved outcome (discharge score) on the seven‐point locomotion subscale of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), to evaluate its precision and identify factors influencing accuracy.MethodAdmission, goal and discharge scores were analysed retrospectively for 141 subjects (90 M; 51 F) admitted consecutively to the Unit with median age 54 years (range 15–68 years) with median length of stay 13.6 weeks (range 3–35 weeks).ResultsNinety subjects (64%) gained from two to six points; 50 subjects (35%) gained one point or showed no change. One patient deteriorated by two points. Excluding patients admitted with the highest score (FIM level 7), the overall level of agreement between predicted and discharge scores was moderate (weighted kappa 0.47). Prediction was accurate to ±1 point in 113 subjects (80%). Overprediction by ≥2 points occurred in 16 subjects (11%) and underprediction by ≥2 points in 12 subjects (9%). Analysis of the most‐disabled cohort, admitted with FIM levels 1 or 2 scores, revealed a higher sensitivity for predicting ‘independence’ (FIM levels 5–7) (78%) than ‘dependence’ (FIM levels 1–4) (65%). Accuracy was not affected by age, gender or side of stroke. Inaccurate predictions were associated with lower admission FIM level scores (p=−0.26;p=0.002) and a greater length of stay (p=0.36;p<0.001). Subjects with quad‐riplegia were more likely to have inaccurate outcome predictions made than those with hemiplegia (p=0.025) and those with neglect were more likely to have inaccurate outcome predictions made than those without neglect (p=0.017).ConclusionFurther investigation into clinical prediction and the variables which confound accuracy is needed for effective planning. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Exercises and education as secondary prevention for recurrent low back pain
Authors: Soukup Margret Grotle , LÖnn Jan , GlomsrÖd Bredo , BÖ Kari , Larsen Stig 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeExercise and education is a common physiotherapy approach in the prevention of low back pain. A Mensendieck exercise programme consisting of exercises and ergonomical education has, in a previous study, been shown to be effective in preventing recurrent low back pain during one‐year follow‐up. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the long‐term effect of the Mensendieck exercise programme on people with recurrent episodes of low back pain who, when entering the study, had finished treatment for their last episode of low back pain.MethodA randomized controlled clinical trial in which 41 women and 36 men were allocated to either a Mensendieck or control group. The Mensendieck subjects received 20 group sessions of exercises and ergonomical education over 13 weeks. The control subjects were not offered any prophylactic therapy, but were free to receive treatment or exercises. Outcome measures were the number of recurrences of low back pain, sick leave, low back function and general functional status.ResultsAt three‐year follow‐up, 11 subjects had been lost to the study. Survival analysis showed a significant reduction (p=0.02) in subjects experiencing recurrent low back pain in the Mensendieck group compared to the control group. Significant improvements in pain and function scores were reported in both groups. There was no significant difference between the groups in pain, function or sick leave.ConclusionA Mensendieck exercise programme seems efficient in reducing recurrent episodes of low back pain at three‐year follow‐up, but it did not influence sick leave, pain or function scores. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Accuracy of reproducing hand position when using active compared with passive movement
Authors: Laufer Yocheved , Hocherman Shraga , Dickstein Ruth 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeEvaluating proprioception is relevant to physical rehabilitation because of its significance in motor control. One method of proprioceptive testing involves having subjects either imitate or point at a joint position or movement which was presented via a passive movement. However, as the muscle spindles are subject to central fusimotor control, the proprioceptive system may be better‐tuned to movements created by active muscular contraction than to passive movements. The objective of the present study was to determine whether accuracy of reproducing hand position is dependent on whether proprioceptive input is obtained via an active or a passive movement.MethodThirty‐nine healthy volunteers (mean age (±SD) 24.6 (±3.6) years) participated in the study. Subjects' right hands, which were obscured from view, were acoustically guided to five targets on a digitizer tablet with either an active or passive upper extremity movement. Subjects were then asked to reproduce the targets' location by either reaching to them with the unseen hand or by use of a laser beam. Distance from target and angular deviations were calculated in both absolute and relative terms. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for each variable followed by predetermined contrasts.ResultsComparison between the active and passive conditions when reconstruction of target location was guided kinaesthetically indicates significant differences in absolute distance, range and angular deviation. The comparison when reconstruction of target location was guided visually indicates significant differences in absolute distance, absolute angle and angular deviation.ConclusionsThe ability to reproduce hand position accurately is enhanced when position is encoded by active upper extremity movement compared with passive movement. The results have implications for the design of strategies for evaluating as well as treating patients with impaired proprioception and limited movement. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Effect of elbow flexion contractures on the ability of people with C5 and C6 tetraplegia to lift
Authors: Harvey Lisa , Crosbie Jack 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeIt is commonly assumed that minor elbow flexion contractures prevent people with C5–C6 tetraplegia and paralysis of the triceps brachii muscles from bearing full body weight through their upper limbs. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of simulated bilateral elbow flexion contractures on the ability of these individuals to bear weight through their upper limbs and to determine whether full passive elbow extension is truly critical for lifting body weight.MethodA biomechanical study was performed. Body weight lifted was measured under conditions that simulated bilateral elbow flexion contractures. Five people with motor complete C6 tetraplegia and one person with motor complete C5 tetraplegia, all with bilateral paralysis of the triceps brachii muscles, were recruited to the study. Subjects were fitted with bilateral elbow splints that restricted elbow extension but did not restrain elbow flexion nor prevent the elbow from collapsing, and were seated on an instrumented platform that measured vertical forces under the buttocks. Subjects pushed down through their hands and lifted under five different conditions, namely: with no elbow splints; with bilateral elbow splints adjusted to restrict elbow extension by 5–10°; by 15–20°; by 25–30° and with bilateral elbow splints adjusted to allow unrestricted movement of the elbow joint. Maximal weight lifted from under the buttocks, for each condition, was expressed in relation to weight under the buttocks during unsupported sitting (that is, ‘seated body weight’).ResultsSubjects lifted progessively less weight from under their buttocks as passive elbow restriction was progressively restricted. However, one subject lifted all his seated body weight when elbow extension was restricted by 5–10° and another lifted all his seated body weight when elbow extension was restricted by 5–10° and 15–20°.ConclusionsMinor elbow flexion contractures will not alone prevent people with tetraplegia and paralysis of the triceps brachii muscles from lifting. Full passive elbow extension is not critical for the performance of this task. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Concurrent validity of the NK hand dexterity test
Authors: MacDermid Joy C , Mulè Mary 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe present study evaluated the concurrent validity of the NK hand dexterity test (NKHDT) by use of three separate analyses: (1) the correlation between the NKHDT and a criterion comparator (Jebson's Hand Function Test (JHFT)); (2) the correlation between both dexterity tests and a patient‐rated function questionnaire; and (3) the ability of subscales to differentiate between subjects with and without upper extremity pathology.MethodThe study population included 40 individuals with a variety of musculoskeletal problems affecting the upper extremity and 10 individuals without any history of upper extremity problems. Both dexterity tests were administered on a single occasion according to a standard protocol. Subjects also completed a rating scale which evaluated self‐care, household work, work and recreation on an 0–10‐point scale.ResultsThe validity of the NKHDT was supported in all three analyses because: (1) the correlation between the NKHDT and JHFT subtests was moderate to strong (Pearson's r=0.47–0.87) and stronger when the objects were more similar in size; (2) both scales correlated to a similar extent with patient‐rated function (Pearson's r=–0.34–0.67); and (3) all subscales were statistically different between subjects with and without upper extremity pathology (p<0.01).ConclusionsThe present study supports the use of the NKHDT as a measure of hand dexterity. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Vertical anthropometric measures and low back pain in adolescents
Authors: Steele Samuel , Grimmer Karen , Williams Marie , Gill Tiffany 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe present paper explores aspects of a large dataset of adolescent potentiates of low back pain. Standing, trunk and shoulder height, subischial height, weight and mean leg length are examined in relation to reports of low back pain in the last two weeks, in strata of age and gender.MethodThe present study examined 1254 adolescents, aged 11–18 years, drawn from 12 Adelaide public high schools during 1998.ResultsAt each year of age, girls reported significantly more low back pain than boys. Girls and boys at each year of age provided different relationships between low back pain and anthropometric features, highlighting the unique nature of adolescent growth. The most consistent findings were anthropometric differences between 16‐year‐old boys, and 13‐ and 15‐year‐old girls, with and without low back pain, who may be at critical stages of the peak growth curve.ConclusionWe suggest a high prevalence of low back pain in adolescents, and that young sufferers with low back pain may be reflecting attributes of their stage of anthropometric growth. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Manual hyperinflation: consistency and modification of the technique by physiotherapists
Authors: Patman Shane , Jenkins Sue , Smith Kate 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe present study aimed to evaluate the consistency with which physiotherapists apply manual hyperinflation to a test lung using the Air‐Viva‐2 or Mapleson‐B resuscitation circuit, and their ability to modify the technique as pulmonary characteristics change.MethodA quasi‐experimental, randomized, repeated‐measures design was used to study 16 volunteer physiotherapists performing manual hyperinflation to a test lung simulating three clinical situations. Each subject applied manual hyperinflation to the test lung for each simulation three times in one day using the resuscitation circuit that they would normally use in their clinical practice. Eight subjects used the Air‐Viva‐2 circuit and eight used the Mapleson‐B circuit. Measurements of tidal volume (VT), peak airway pressure (Paw) and fraction of delivered oxygen (FDO2) were recorded during each testing period. Inflation rate and minute volume were calculated.ResultsAs compliance decreased and airway resistance increased, VT decreased and Paw increased. Of the eight subjects using the Air‐Viva‐2 circuit, only three subjects delivered greater than 0.80 FDO2. All subjects using the Mapleson‐B circuit delivered greater than 0.85 FDO2.ConclusionsSubjects demonstrated good consistency in the application of manual hyperinflation for all three simulations and modified their technique appropriately as simulated pulmonary characteristics changed. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Validity of the EK scale: a functional assessment of non‐ambulatory individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy or spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Steffensen Birgit , Hyde Sylvia , Lyager Søren , Mattsson Eva 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe EK scale comprises ten categories (EK 1–10), each contributing to an overall picture of function in the non‐ambulatory stage of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The purpose of the present study was to investigate content and construct validity of the EK scale as a tool to discriminate between levels of functional ability in individuals with DMD or spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) who were non‐ambulatory.MethodData from a sample of 56 subjects with DMD and 38 with SMA, who were non‐ambulatory, were obtained from four separate studies. The relationship of functional ability by use of the EK scale and (1) muscle strength, (2) contractures, (3) forced vital capacity and (4) years of wheelchair dependency were assessed. All items of the EK scale were used except the one representing severe hypoventilation.ResultsRegression analyses showed that the EK sum was the most significant explanatory variable (p<0.05) of all variables measured to explain muscle strength in both DMD and SMA subjects. The individual categories of EK (1–10) all contributed as significant explanatory variables (p<0.05) to the other variables measured.ConclusionsThe categories and items of the EK scale were relevant and valid as means of discriminating between levels of functional performance in the population studied which was evidence of content and construct validity. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
The recovery of walking ability and subclassification of stroke
Authors: Baer Gillian , Smith Mark 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe recovery of walking after a stroke is a key functional goal for many patients. Reports vary, but approximately 50–80% of patients will regain some degree of walking ability following stroke (Skilbeck et al., 1983). There are few data available to show whether different subclassifications of stroke have distinct patterns of gait recovery. The present paper describes the pattern of walking recovery in a population of stroke patients classified according to the Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project classification (Bamford et al., 1991).MethodA prospective observational study. Stroke patients (n=238) admitted to the inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Unit at the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh were initially included, with data for 185 patients ultimately available for analysis. Standardized measures of recovery of 10 steps and a 10‐metre walk were used routinely to examine recovery time of walking ability. The main outcome measures consisted of days taken to achieve a 10‐step walk, days to achieve a 10‐metre walk, and initial and discharge gait velocity over 10 metres.ResultsEighty‐nine per cent of the sample (n=164) achieved a 10‐step walk in a median time of five days and a 10‐metre walk in eight days. The median initial gait velocity was 0.45 m/s which improved by discharge to 0.55 m/s. Further analysis by subgroup revealed that subjects sustaining a partial anterior circulation infarct, lacunar infarct or posterior circulation infarct recovered significantly more quickly than those subjects with a total anterior circulation infarct (Kruskal Wallis test for days to achieve 10 steps (H = 22.524, N = 164, df = 3) p<0.001; Kruskal Wallis test for days to achieve a 10‐metre walk (H = 22.586, N = 164, df = 3) p<0.001.ConclusionsAn hierarchical pattern of recovery of gait was observed with definite variation between the subclassifications of stroke. It is suggested that further work needs to be undertaken to identify more accurately the factors that may influence the recovery of walking following stroke. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.