bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Position-matching in the upper limb: professional ballet dancers perform with outstanding accuracy
Authors: Ramsay Jill RE , Riddoch M Jane 
Published: May 2003

Objectives: To investigate the accuracy in position-matching in the upper limb in two groups of subjects who were physically fit and movement aware. Design: A mixed-group design was used. Objective measurement of the accuracy in position-matching at the shoulder and elbow in both dominant and nondominant arms consisted of photographic record of the position-matching test, with goniometric measurement. Settings: Physiotherapy department at the Birmingham Royal Ballet and School of Health Science, University of Birmingham. Subjects: Two subject groups: physiotherapy students (n = 10), professional ballet dancers (n = 10). Results: A mixed design analysis of variance found significant differences between the accuracy in position-matching at both the shoulder and elbow joints in the two groups (p < 0.05), with the ballet dancers having greater accuracy then the physiotherapy students. A significant difference in the joint positions tested were demonstrated (p < 0.05) with the positions of abduction at the shoulder and extension of the elbow showing greatest accuracy in matching. There was no significant difference found between the dominant and nondominant upper limb in position-matching. Conclusion: Professional ballet dancers demonstrated greater accuracy in position-matching the upper limb, implying that mass and continuing practice can improve a motor sensory skill.
The Parkinson's Disease Activities of Daily Living Scale: a new simple and brief subjective measure of disability in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Hobson J P , Edwards N I , Meara R J 
Published: May 2003

Objective: To develop a brief, valid and reliable self-report scale for the assessment of activities of daily living in Parkinson's disease (PD). Design: Self-report questionnaire development. Subjects: One hundred and seventy subjects with a diagnosis of clinically probable PD living in the community. Measures: The self-rating scale – Parkinson's Disease Activities of Daily Living Scale (PADLS), Webster Scale, CAMCOG neuropsychological test,15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) and the self-rated Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life (PDQL) questionnaire. Methods: The PADLS was initially validated and test–retest reliability assessed in a group of PD patients (n = 38). Next a convenience sample of 132 patients was drawn from a community-based PD register. Subjects were invited to complete the PADLS, PDQL, GDS-15, Webster scale and CAMCOG test. Results: The PADLS correlated significantly with increasing age, duration of illness, disease severity, increasing depression, impaired cognition and poorer health-related quality of life. Conclusion: The PADLS was found to be a reliable and valid measure of ADL, demonstrating acceptable internal consistency and strong associations with existing measurers of disease severity, depression, cognitive screening and health-related quality of life. The PADLS allows patients to subjectively report the impact that PD has upon daily activities and will complement existing formal clinical measures in PD.
The internal consistency and validity of the Self-assessment Parkinson's Disease Disability Scale
Authors: Biemans M A J E , Dekker J , van der Woude L H V 
Published: May 2003

Objective: To test the consistency and validity of the Self-assessment Parkinson's Disease Disability Scale in patients with Parkinson's disease living at home. Design: Patients with Parkinson's disease responded to a set of questionnaires. In addition, an observation of the performance of daily activities was carried out on a subgroup. Setting and subjects: Patients with Parkinson's disease living at home (n = 142). Measures: The Self-assessment Parkinson's Disease Disability Scale (SPDDS), the Hoehn & Yahr Rating Scale (H&Y), and the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP68). The observation concerned nine activities that correspond to items of the SPDDS questionnaire. Results: Internal consistency of the SPDDS was very high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.97; reliability rho = 0.97). The items of the SPDDS are hierarchical (Loevinger's H = 0.64): patients had least difficulty with ‘washing’ and ‘brushing teeth’ and most difficulty with ‘turning in bed’, ‘travelling by public transport’ and ‘writing a letter’. Validity of the SPDDS was good: the relationship between the SPDDS questionnaire and the H&Y rating scale, the SIP68 and the results of the observation was strong and significant. Conclusion: The SPDDS is a unidimensional instrument measuring disabilities in Parkinson's disease patients living at home.
Quantifying associated reactions in the paretic arm in stroke and their relationship to spasticity
Authors: Bhakta Bipin B , Cozens J Alastair , Chamberlain M Anne , Bamford John M 
Published: May 2003

Objectives: (1) To present a measurement protocol for assessing associated reactions (AR) in the paretic arm and (2) to use it to investigate the pattern of AR and its association with spasticity. Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation unit. Design: Associated reactions in 49 adults with stroke were measured in terms of force generated, electrical muscle activity and wrist movement in the paretic arm using hand dynamometry, surface electromyography and electrogoniometry respectively. Simultaneous recording of the effort used to elicit the associated reaction was made using a second hand dynamometer. The magnitude and persistence of AR was compared with the clinical assessment of spasticity (using the modified Ashworth Scale, MAS). Results: There was poor correlation between peak AR and MAS, suggesting that AR are not confined to patients with severe spasticity. Co-activation of forearm flexors and extensors was evident during the AR. AR fluctuated during a single period of effort in some patients. Only 12 out of 31 patients who maintained uniform effort over the measurement period produced a uniform AR. AR often persisted for some time after effort had ceased. Eight were classified as minimal (median AR 0.23 N), 25 as mild (median AR 2.7 N), 11 as moderate (median AR 6.4 N) and 3 as severe (median AR 11.0 N). AR tended to persist in patients with higher MAS although this result was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The magnitude, profile and persistence of AR varied considerably between individuals. Associated reactions were present in people with minimal spasticity. As this technique allows the magnitude of AR to be quantified in relation to effort it has the potential to be a useful outcome measure in clinical trials evaluating the treatments (e.g. physiotherapy) directed at reducing associated reactions.
Functional electrical stimulation by means of the ‘Ness Handmaster Orthosis’ in chronic stroke patients: an exploratory study
Authors: Hendricks H T , Ijzerman M J , de Kroon J R , in 't Groen F A C G , Zilvold G 
Published: May 2003

Objective: To gain experience with ‘Ness Handmaster Orthosis’ treatment in chronic stroke patients, to identify suitable patients, and to study the effects of treatment. Design: Exploratory, uncontrolled trial with measurement of motor functions and muscle tone of the upper extremity prior to, during, upon completion, and six weeks after a treatment period. Setting: A rehabilitation centre in the Netherlands. Subjects: Eighteen chronic stroke patients (more than six months post stroke), who exhibited upper extremity dysfunction due to spastic paresis. Intervention: A 10-week therapy programme of functional electrical stimulation by means of the ‘Ness Handmaster Orthosis’. Results: The results of 15 patients were available for analysis. The differences in motor score and muscle tone before and at the end of treatment were statistically significant (p = 0.008 and 0.021, respectively). The follow-up measurements showed that the effects on motor functions and muscle tone decreased after therapy completion. Stratification of the patients in two subgroups indicated that patients with initial high motor scores benefited most during the intervention period. Conclusion: The present study suggests that Handmaster treatment possesses therapeutic opportunities in chronic stroke patients with spastic paresis of the upper extremity.
Fine motor assessment in chronic wrist pain: the role of adapted motor control
Authors: Smeulders Mark JC , Kreulen Michiel , Bos Kurt E 
Published: May 2003

Objective: To show whether a difference in fine motor control exists between patients with chronic, undiagnosed wrist pain (CUWP) and healthy controls. Furthermore, a method to assess fine motor function of the wrist is evaluated. Design: A case–control study. Setting: The Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Subjects: Twenty-seven CUWP patients were compared with 50 healthy control subjects. Interventions: Subjects performed horizontal stroke patterns on a digital writing tablet connected to a computer. The control subjects were tested twice to obtain test–retest reliability. A visual analogue scale was used to assess subjective pain. Main outcome measures: Fluency of movement and average velocity were measured. Intraclass correlation, ANOVA repeated measures statistics and Pearson correlation were calculated. Results: There is a significant difference in fluency of motion between patients and controls, possibly due to a disturbed motor control, since there is no relationship between pain and test score, nor do CUWP patients have any abnormality in the wrist that can explain the disturbance in motor function. The test method is reliable (ICC = 0.78) and valid. Conclusions: The disturbed fine motor control in CUWP patients is suggested to maintain chronic wrist pain through ‘strain injury, causing’ pain evasive adaptation of the motor control system. This might lead to new perspectives regarding treatment of CUWP patients.
Unpacking the black box of nursing and therapy practice for post-stroke shoulder pain: a precursor to evaluation
Authors: Pomeroy V M , Niven D S , Barrow S , Faragher E B 
Published: May 2003

Objectives: To describe current nursing and therapy interventions for the prevention and treatment of post-stroke shoulder pain and to explore the extent of their reported use in England. Design: Semi-structured, themed interviews followed by a postal questionnaire. Participants: Six nurses, five occupational therapists (OTs) and six physiotherapists (PTs) were interviewed. Twelve nurses, 12 OTs and 12 PTs were sent the pilot questionnaire and the main questionnaire was posted to 332 nurses, 332 OTs and 332 PTs. Setting: NHS Trusts in England which provide acute stroke care/rehabilitation. Procedure: Two researchers independently condensed the transcripts of the interviews into a list of interventions which were then transformed into a pilot postal questionnaire. Following the pilot small changes were made. Participants sent the main questionnaire were given three weeks to return it before being posted a reminder. After a further two weeks a researcher gave a telephone reminder. Results: One hundred and seventy-five different types of interventions were identified. The main questionnaire (57.8% response rate) found that all of the interventions were used by at least one respondent and that only 22.9% of the interventions were used to the same extent by nurses, OTs and PTs. The data also suggest variation in reported use within professions. Conclusions: This study has found a large number of interventions for post-stroke shoulder pain which are reported to be used. This might reflect different causes of shoulder pain or variation between clinicians. Answers to these questions are expected to guide future evaluative research.
Mobility of people with lower limb amputations: scales and questionnaires: a review
Authors: Rommers Gerardus M , Vos Luc D W , Groothoff Johan W , Eisma Willem H 
Published: May 2003

Objective and design: A systematic literature review to compare mobility scales used for lower limb amputees. A literature search was carried out by computerized search of biomedical literature including Medline and Embase. The studies included were published between 1978 and 1998 and including the following keywords: amputation, artificial limbs, prosthesis, lower limb, activities of daily living, mobility. Results: Thirty-five studies were identified; 19 had a measurement of separate levels of mobility comparable to each other. Sixteen studies used ordinal and ratio scales without separate levels of mobility. The widest range of measurement found was the scale from ‘walking with prosthesis without a walking aid’ to ‘totally confined to bed’. The Stanmore Harold Wood mobility scale was published most frequently. None of the 35 studies presented give a continuous measurement of mobility. Conclusion: A multitude of measurement scales and questionnaires are available for differ in methods and measuring range. Measuring mobility by a scale has been shown to have limitations. Several authors did extensive research but they all measure only a number of aspects of mobility. Consensus about the measurement of mobility of lower limb amputees is not available in the recent literature.
Children with asthma and physical exercise: effects of an exercise programme
Authors: van Veldhoven N HMJ , Vermeer A , Bogaard J M , Hessels M GP , Wijnroks L , Colland V T , van Essen-Zandvliet E EM 
Published: May 2003

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a physical exercise programme for children with asthma on an outpatient basis. Design: Intervention study: a randomized pretest–post-test control group design. Setting and subjects: Forty-seven children with clinically diagnosed asthma participated in the intervention study, including 34 boys and 13 girls, from 8 to 13 years of age (mean age 10.6). Interventions: The physical exercise programme consisted of regular group exercises and home exercises for a period of three months. It was based on a theoretical model describing the relationships between physical competence (condition), perceived physical competence, self-esteem and coping behaviour. Main outcome measures: Maximum incremental exercise test, endurance test, the Self-Perception Profile for Children (CBSK), the Asthma Coping Test (ACBT), lung function and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Results: The results showed significant effects of the intervention programme on physical condition. There was a significant improvement of 15 W on the maximal workload (Wmax) (p < 0.001), of 7% on VO2max (oxygen uptake) (p = 0.002) and a significant decrease on heart rate submaximal of 6% (p = 0.001). There was also a significant improvement of 50% in running time measured with the endurance test (p = 0.021). Furthermore, a significant effect of the intervention was seen on coping with asthma (p = 0.003). Conclusion: It was concluded that participation in the physical exercise programme not only enhanced physical fitness, but also improved coping behaviour with asthma.
A new, comprehensive normative database of lumbar spine ranges of motion
Authors: Troke Michael , Moore A P , Maillardet F J , Hough A , Cheek E 
Published: May 2003

Aims and objectives: To generate gender-specific and broadly based agerelated indices for normative lumbar ranges of motion for all planes of movement. Design: This was a repeated measures prospective study of spinal range of motion in a sample of volunteer subjects utilizing a portable modified CA6000 Spine Motion Analyzer (Orthopedic Systems Inc., Union City, CA, USA). Setting: Data collection was carried out in a variety of community locations including fire, police and ambulance stations, offices and community centres. Subjects: A total of 405 asymptomatic subjects (196 female, 209 male) were recruited, aged 16–90 years, from sedentary, mixed and physically demanding occupations. Methodology: Indices of lumbar spine ranges of motion were measured in standing following a standardized protocol for sagittal flexion/extension, coronal lateral flexion and horizontal axial rotation movements. Results: Male and female normative flexion ranges declined by approximately 40% (72–40 degrees) across the age spectrum. Extension declined the greatest, by approximately 76% (29–6 degrees) overall. In lateral flexion male and female ranges declined approximately 43% (29–15 degrees) in each direction (total 58–30 degrees). In axial rotation no age-related decline was observed and ranges of motion remained at approximately 7 degrees in each direction (total 14 degrees) across all the ages of the subject group. Conclusions: Data have been generated that provide comprehensive, gender-specific, broadly based and age-related indices for normative lumbar ranges of motion in all planes of movement. These are applicable to individuals throughout adult life, from adolescence through to old age.
Comparison of the content of two physiotherapy approaches for stroke
Authors: van Vliet Paulette M , Lincoln Nadina B , Robinson Elisabeth 
Published: May 2003

Objective: To identify similarities and differences between a Bobath-based (BB) and a movement science-based (MSB) approach. Design: Direct observation by a trained observer was used to record behaviours during treatments. Setting: An acute stroke ward. Subjects: Twenty-two stroke patients. Interventions: Behaviours were recorded during 12 treatment sessions by three therapists, for each treatment approach. Physical and communication behaviours were recorded in pre-defined categories. The equipment used was recorded and a semi-structured interview conducted with the therapist after treatment to identify follow-up actions by the therapist. Main outcome measures: Frequency of occurrence of each category was compared between the approaches. Results: Treatment in the BB group contained more social conversation (p = 0.004), and more use of physiotherapy equipment (p = 0.02) and a physiotherapy assistant (p = 0.01). In the MSB group there was more detailed feedback given to the patient (p = 0.002) more use of everyday objects in training (p = 0.001), therapists more frequently listed specific components as the patient's main problems (p = 0.003) and relatives were involved more in positioning to stretch muscles (p = 0.03). Training walking was given more emphasis in the BB group and training of sit-to-stand in the MSB group. Conclusions: The study indicates that there are differences in content between the Bobath-based and movement science-based approaches to treatment.
Visual gait analysis: the development of a clinical assessment and scale
Authors: Lord S E , Halligan P W , Wade D T 
Published: May 2003

Objectives: To develop and evaluate a four-point scale visual gait assessment form, the Rivermead Visual Gait Assessment (RVGA), for clinical use with patients with neurological deficits. Design: Preliminary clinical testing of reliability, validity and sensitivity to change. Setting: Patients were recruited from the Rivermead Rehabilitation Centre (RRC), a centre specializing in rehabilitation for patients with neurological disease. Patients: Ten inpatients were assessed by up to seven physiotherapists for the main reliability study, and eight different patients were also assessed by two raters one week apart. Twenty outpatients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who were receiving physiotherapy to improve their mobility and 27 inpatients with various neurological conditions were also assessed and the data used to examine validity, reliability and sensitivity to change. Outcome: The other comparative measures used were walking time, stride length, step length asymmetry, balance and the Rivermead Mobility Index. Results: Inter-rater reliability between multiple raters was reasonable both for the global scores from the gait assessment form (Kendall's coefficient of concordance; p <0.001), and for individual items (complete agreement occurred on 63.8% of all observations). There was a significant correlation between the global RVGA score and the various criterion measures ( r = 0.53–0.79; p <0.001) and between change in the RVGA score and change in walking time in patients who received treatment ( r = 0.68; p <0.01). Conclusions: The RVGA provides the clinician with a clinical assessment of the quality of gait which may be used in conjunction with other measures to inform and monitor the value of physiotherapy treatment for people with MS and stroke, and possibly other neurological deficits.
Intensive dynamic training for females with chronic neck/shoulder pain. A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Randløv Annette , Østergaard Mikkel , Manniche Claus , Kryger Peter , Jordan Alan , Heegaardand Susanne , Holm Bente 
Published: May 2003

Objectives: To compare the clinical effectiveness of an intensive three-month training programme with a less intensive programme on females suffering from chronic neck/shoulder pain. Study design: A prospective observer-blinded clinical trial including 12-month pretreatment follow-up. Setting: Patients were referred to the Departments of Rheumatology and Physical Medicine at Hvidovre Hospital by their general practitioners. Training was undertaken at a satellite clinic for physiotherapy of Hvidovre Hospital. Subjects: Female patients aged 18–65 years suffering from chronic neck/shoulder pain for a minimum of six months. Intervention: Patients were examined by a physician in order to exclude serious diseases. They were then randomized to either an intensive neck/shoulder training programme or a programme of lesser intensity but of similar duration. Main outcome measures: Scales measuring pain and activities of daily living (ADL) were used, and strength and endurance measurements of the cervical and shoulder muscles were carried out at baseline and completion of the study. Follow-up measurements were carried out by postal questionnaire at 6 and 12 months after inclusion, and included pain, ADL and treatment satisfaction measurements. Results: Seventy-seven patients were included in the trial, of whom 27 (69%) completed the intensive programme and 25 (61%) the lighter programme. Forty-one (>80%) completed the follow-up questionnaires. The patients in the two groups did not differ with regard to age, pain, ADL scores and physical measurements prior to training. Patients in both groups that completed the trial demonstrated statistically significant improvements in nearly all of the outcome measurements at completion. ADL scores maintained statistical significance at 12 months in both groups, but pain scores were only significantly improved in the intensive group at 12 months follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding pain or ADL, but overall 50% of all patients showed improvement. Conclusions: The type of low-tech dynamic training used in either of our two programmes resulted in both subjective and objective improvements in patients suffering from chronic neck/shoulder pain, but there were no statistically significant differences in outcome between the two approaches. The subjective improvements were maintained throughout the follow-up period.
Ten-metre walk, with or without a turn?
Authors: van Herk Irene EH , Arendzen J Hans , Rispens Piet 
Published: May 2003

Objective: To compare results obtained using different procedures to measure 10-metre walking time. Design: Walking was timed over a straight 10 m, and over 5 m with return. Further, the time taken to turn was measured directly. Setting: Rehabilitation department of a university hospital. Subjects: Patients who had walking disability after stroke. Results: In the group of 43 patients, the time taken to walk 5 m and return was 3.3 (SD 5.0) s longer than the time to walk 10 m straight, but there was a large variation with some patients walking faster. The measured time to turn in a second group of 27 patients was 3.2 (SD 1.6) s. The times taken to walk 10 m straight and 5 m and return, and the time taken to turn were all highly correlated ( r = 0.69 or more). Conclusions: Timing walking over 5 m with a return is an acceptable alternative to the 10 m straight walk, but the actual time taken varies. On average, the walk with a turn is 3.2 s longer but in individual patients the difference may be much more or less. Sometimes the walk with a turn is even faster than that without.