Efficacy of an antigravity treadmill on functional outcome in non-operatively treated pelvic fractures: a prospective pilot study

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (11) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Ralf Henkelmann ◽  
Michael Schäfer ◽  
Andreas Höch ◽  
Christian Leps ◽  
Martin Busse ◽  
...  

Background/Aims Treating pelvic fractures non-operatively is possible. The immobilisation stage of recovery requires different adjustment processes compared to those used in operative treatment. The aim of the present study was to prove the additional benefit an antigravity treadmill can have on patients with non-operatively treated pelvic fractures. Methods A prospective pilot study, including patients with non-operatively treated pelvic fractures as the intervention group and healthy volunteers as a control group, was undertaken. Patients of the intervention group participated in a training session with an antigravity treadmill every 3 days for a total of 40 days, in addition to physiotherapy, lymph drainage massage and manual therapy. Patients were evaluated using a dynamic gait index, and a numeric rating scale on three successive dates, to assess their pain. A standardised gait analysis was also carried out. Results The intervention group comprised 9 patients, while 33 patients made up the control group. All patients completed the protocols and experienced a significant decrease in pain and increase of mobility. Gait analysis showed that by the 40-day follow-up, patients in the intervention group had regained almost normal gait patterns when compared to the control group. At each time point, a significant improvement in patients' gait patterns could be seen. Conclusions The results concurred with previous studies, suggesting that the antigravity treadmill is safe and that recovery to almost normal gait patterns is possible, while the comparison to a healthy group strengthened the data. The present prospective study thus showed promising results regarding the efficacy of the antigravity treadmill, despite study limitations.

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Lena Hedén ◽  
Mia Berglund ◽  
Catharina Gillsjö

Background. Long-term musculoskeletal pain is a major, often undertreated, disabling health problem among an increasing number of older adults. Reflective STRENGTH-giving dialogues (STRENGTH) may be a tool to support older adults living with long-term pain. The main aim of this pilot study was to investigate the immediate and longitudinal effect of the intervention STRENGTH on levels of pain, wellbeing, occurrence of depression symptoms, and sense of coherence (SOC) among community-dwelling older adults suffering from musculoskeletal pain compared to a control group. Methods. The study was semiexperimental with an intervention group and a control group. The effect of a single STRENGTH intervention was reported on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) regarding pain and wellbeing. To evaluate the longitudinal effect of STRENGTH, using the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF), the Geriatric Depression Scale-20 (GDS-20), SOC-13 at baseline (T1), and six months after the intervention/no intervention (T2), a total of 30 older adults, aged 72 to 97 years (Mdn 86 years), were included consecutively and fulfilled the intervention series (n = 18) or untreated controls (n = 12). Results. The intervention with STRENGTH decreases pain (NRS 6 Mdn versus NRS 4 Mdn, p<0.001) and increases wellbeing (NRS 7 Mdn versus NRS 8 Mdn, p<0.001). After a six-month study period with STRENGTH, no longitudinal effect difference was found compared to baseline. Compared to the control group, there was an increasing trend between decreased pain level and increased SOC level for STRENGTH intervention. Conclusions. This pilot study supports STRENGTH’s effect as a pain-alleviating model that provides a decrease in pain levels and an increase of wellbeing in older adults with long-term pain. STRENGTH dialogues could be a useful intervention to provide individually holistic care in older adults living with long-term pain.


2019 ◽  
Vol 02 (02) ◽  
pp. 086-087
Author(s):  
Padrón-Benítez A. ◽  
Rodríguez-Ruiz D. ◽  
Ortega-Puebla F. ◽  
Valdesuso-Domínguez R.

Abstract Background and Aims Percutaneous neuromodulation is an ultrasound-guided technique aimed at the peripheral nerve, using an acupuncture needle as an electrode for a TENS type current which has demonstrated to have positive effects for pain but not for muscle activity. Tensiomyography (TMG) is a non-invasive assessment technique, which is reliable and provides instant information on the mechanical characteristics of superficial muscles. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether percutaneous neuromodulation produces effects on muscle contraction parameters. Material and Methods A longitudinal, analytic and experimental study with a control group, comprising a sample of 11 football players in the 3rd Division, randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG = 5) and a control group (CG = 6). Athletes were assessed using tensiomyography (TMG-S2, EMF-FURLAN & Co.) parameters: maximum deformation (Dm), response time (Td), contraction time (Tc), relaxation time (Tr) and time of contraction maintenance (Ts) of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL). Both legs were assessed immediately after the training session (Pre), after 10' rest period post intervention (Post1) and after 12 hours of rest on the following day (Post2). Both femoral nerves were intervened with a needle on the long axis and in a transverse section just below the same. An Electrostimulator (ITO, model ES- 160), was applied to the IG during 5' using a TENS current of 200µs, 1 Hz and with sufficient intensity to achieve a visible contraction of the quadriceps without discomfort. The channel was closed with adhesive electrodes placed medial to the ASIS. The CG received a placebo treatment with needles and electrodes placed on the same anatomical points and connected to an electrostimulator without current during 5' (Physio Invasiva device). Results On the right RF the Td decreased in the IG (pre/post2: P = 0.005) and between groups (post1: P = 0.017 and post2: P = 0.014). For Tc we found differences between the IG (pre/post2: P= 0.008) and the CG (post1/post2: P = 0.019). The left RF increased Tc in the CG (P = 0.036) and pre/post2 and Ts in the CG compared to the IG (post2: P = 0.0480.048). In the left VL Dm increased (pre/post2: P = 0.046 and post1/post2: P = 0.018), Td (pre/post2: P = 0.010) and Tc (pre/post2: P = 0.051 and post1/post2: P = 0.003) for the CG. In the IG, the right VL, both Td (P = 0.024) and Tc (P = 0.021) decreased between post1/post2. For the intragroup analysis (pre, post1 and post2) the Student's t-test was used, whereas for the intragroup analysis, the ANOVA was used (significance > P 0.05). Conclusions Considering the characteristics of the sample and understanding that the decrease of TMG parameters represents an improvement in the mechanical characteristics of the muscle, the findings of this pilot study suggest that the intervention with percutaneous neuromodulation in the IG produces greater recovery and improved activation after 12 hours on the RF and VL. However, the increase of these parameters in the CG results in greater fatigue.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 57
Author(s):  
Mohamat Iskandar

Background: Non-hemorrhagic stroke patients experience hemiparesis, an improper handling results in joint contractures. Discharge planning combined with a range of motion (ROM) training given to patients and their families are expected to improve muscle strength in patients after returning from the hospital. Aims: This study is to identify the effectiveness of discharge planning in increasing muscle strength. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study with a pre-posttest design. A total of 34 respondents were selected by cluster random sampling technique, from RAA Soewondo Pati General Hospital of Pati, Central Java, Indonesia. The respondents were divided equally into two groups; an intervention group (N = 17) was given a discharge planning program together with stroke information and range of motion (ROM) training while the control group (N = 17) received a standard discharge planning available in the hospital. Further, Muscle Rating Scale (MRS) was employed to assess the muscle strength on the 2nd, 7th, and 14th day after discharge planning presented to the nonhemorrhagic stroke patients. Results: This present study clearly acknowledges the standard discharge planning program available in the hospital improve the muscle strength of the upper and lower extremity in the nonhemorrhagic stroke patients just 2nd day after the care (pretest), and the significant improvement was observed until the day 14. Moreover, combining the care with ROM training at the intervention group faster the recovery and the muscle strength improved significantly at the 7th day and continue increase at the day 14. Looking to the muscle strength since the 2nd day to the day 14, respectively the muscle strength of upper and lower limb at the control group improved at the point of 0.588 and 0.882, while at the group received the ROM training reached the value of 1.472 and 1.412. Conclusions: The ROM training combined to the current discharge planning program will faster the muscle strength recovery of the nonhemorrhagic stroke patients. This research provide insight how family plays important role to the success in monitoring the rehabilitation and recovery progress. 


Author(s):  
Cayetana Ruiz-Zaldibar ◽  
Inmaculada Serrano-Monzó ◽  
Olga Lopez-Dicastillo ◽  
María Jesús Pumar-Méndez ◽  
Andrea Iriarte ◽  
...  

Positive parenting programs are a key strategy to promote the development of parental competence. We designed a pilot study based on parental self-efficacy to promote healthy lifestyles in their children aged between 2 to 5 years old. In this pilot study, we aimed to assess the effects of a parenting program on parental self-efficacy and parenting styles. Twenty-five parents were allocated into intervention (N = 15) and control group (N = 10). Parents from the intervention group received four group sessions (120 mi per session) to develop a positive parenting, parenting styles and parenting skills regarding to children’s diet, exercise, and screen time, and two additional sessions about child development and family games. Parents from the control group received these two latter sessions. Parental self-efficacy, parenting styles, and meal-related parenting practices were measured before and after the intervention and at 3-month follow-up. Acceptability and feasibility of the program was also measured. Quantitative data were analyzed using the repeat measures ANOVA and ANCOVA tests and the effect size calculation. Content analysis was used to analyse open questions. Positive trends were found regarding parental self-efficacy and the use of authoritative parenting style. Parents also reported a great acceptability of the program getting high satisfaction. According to the feasibility barriers and facilitators aspects were identified. The positive trends founded in this study support the development of parenting programs to promote healthy lifestyle in children.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Sevde Aksu ◽  
Pelin Palas Karaca

<b><i>Aim:</i></b> The research was conducted as a randomized controlled pilot study to evaluate the effects of reflexology on lactation in mothers who delivered by cesarean section (CS). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A single-blind randomized controlled experimental study was conducted with a total of 60 postpartum women in the reflexology application (<i>n</i> = 30) and control groups (<i>n</i> = 30). After the CS, the mothers in the control group were given approximately 3-h routine nursing care after recovering from the effects of anesthesia; the introductory information form was applied, and the Breastfeeding Charting System and Documentation Tool (LATCH) and visual analog scale (VAS) for the signs of the onset of lactation were implemented on the first and second days. Reflexology was applied to the women in the intervention group after an average of 3 h following the mother’s condition had become stable and she had recovered from the effects of anesthesia. Reflexology was applied a total of 20 min – 10 min for the right foot, 10 min for the left foot – twice a day with 8-h intervals on the first and second days after CS. After the last reflexology application, the LATCH and VAS for the signs of the onset of lactation were applied. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of the women, 70% breastfed their babies within 60 min after delivery; 46.7% of the mothers received breastfeeding training and 81.7% needed support for breastfeeding after the CS. The LATCH breastfeeding scores of the women in the intervention group on both days were significantly higher compared to those of the women in the control group (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). On the first day after the CS, apart from breast pain, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of breast heat and breast tension (<i>p</i> &#x3e; 0.05). On the second day after the CS, apart from breast tension, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of breast heat and breast pain (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). In the study, women in the intervention group were found to have higher scores in terms of all three symptoms compared to the control group (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> In the study, it was determined that LATCH scores and signs of the onset of breastfeeding increased in the mothers who received reflexology after CS.


2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Enkhtsogt Sainbayar ◽  
Nathan Holt ◽  
Amber Jacobson ◽  
Shalini Bhatia ◽  
Christina Weaver

Abstract Context Some medical schools integrate STOP THE BLEED® training into their curricula to teach students how to identify and stop life threatening bleeds; these classes that are taught as single day didactic and hands-on training sessions without posttraining reviews. To improve retention and confidence in hemorrhage control, additional review opportunities are necessary. Objectives To investigate whether intermittent STOP THE BLEED® reviews were effective for long term retention of hemorrhage control skills and improving perceived confidence. Methods First year osteopathic medical students were asked to complete an eight item survey (five Likert scale and three quiz format questions) before (pretraining) and after (posttraining) completing a STOP THE BLEED® training session. After the surveys were collected, students were randomly assigned to one of two study groups. Over a 12 week intervention period, each group watched a 4 min STOP THE BLEED® review video (intervention group) or a “distractor” video (control group) at 4 week intervals. After the 12 weeks, the students were asked to complete an 11 item survey. Results Scores on the posttraining survey were higher than the pretraining survey. The median score on the five Likert scale items was 23 points for the posttraining survey and 14 points for the pretraining survey. Two of the three knowledge based quiz format questions significantly improved from pretraining to posttraining (both p<0.001). On the 11 item postintervention survey, both groups performed similarly on the three quiz questions (all p>0.18), but the intervention group had much higher scores on the Likert scale items than the control group regarding their confidence in their ability to identify and control bleeding (intervention group median = 21.4 points vs. control group median = 16.8 points). Conclusions Intermittent review videos for STOP THE BLEED® training improved medical students’ confidence in their hemorrhage control skills, but the videos did not improve their ability to correctly answer quiz-format questions compared with the control group.


2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i12-i42
Author(s):  
C Yang ◽  
Z Hui ◽  
S Zhu ◽  
X Wang ◽  
G Tang ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Medication self-management support has been recognised as an essential element in primary health care to promote medication adherence and health outcomes for older people with chronic conditions. A patient-centred intervention empowering patients and supporting medication self-management activities could benefit older people. This pilot study tested a newly developed medication self-management intervention for improving medication adherence among older people with multimorbidity. Method This was a two-arm randomised controlled trial. Older people with multimorbidity were recruited from a community healthcare centre in Changsha, China. Participants were randomly allocated to either a control group receiving usual care (n = 14), or to an intervention group receiving three face-to-face medication self-management sessions and two follow-up phone calls over six weeks, targeting behavioural determinants of adherence from the Information-Motivation-Behavioural skills model (n = 14). Feasibility was assessed through recruitment and retention rates, outcome measures collection, and intervention implementation. Follow-up data were measured at six weeks after baseline using patient-reported outcomes including medication adherence, medication self-management capabilities, treatment experiences, and quality of life. Preliminary effectiveness of the intervention was explored using generalised estimating equations. Results Of the 72 approached participants, 28 (38.89%) were eligible for study participation. In the intervention group, 13 participants (92.86%) completed follow-up and 10 (71.42%) completed all intervention sessions. Ten participants (71.42%) in the control group completed follow-up. The intervention was found to be acceptable by participants and the intervention nurse. Comparing with the control group, participants in the intervention group showed significant improvements in medication adherence (β = 0.26, 95%CI 0.12, 0.40, P &lt; 0.001), medication knowledge (β = 4.43, 95%CI 1.11, 7.75, P = 0.009), and perceived necessity of medications (β = −2.84, 95%CI -5.67, −0.01, P = 0.049) at follow-up. Conclusions The nurse-led medication self-management intervention is feasible and acceptable among older people with multimorbidity. Preliminary results showed that the intervention may improve patients’ medication knowledge and beliefs and thus lead to improved adherence.


Metabolites ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 204
Author(s):  
Anissa Aharaz ◽  
Jens Henning Rasmussen ◽  
Helle Bach Ølgaard McNulty ◽  
Arne Cyron ◽  
Pia Keinicke Fabricius ◽  
...  

Medication deprescribing is essential to prevent inappropriate medication use in multimorbid patients. However, experience of deprescribing in Danish Subacute Medical Outpatient Clinics (SMOCs) is limited. The objective of our pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and sustainability of a collaborative deprescribing intervention by a pharmacist and a physician to multimorbid patients in a SMOC. A randomized controlled pilot study was conducted, with phone follow-up at 30 and 365+ days. A senior pharmacist performed a systematic deprescribing intervention using the Screening Tool of Older Persons’ potentially inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP) criteria, the Danish deprescribing list, and patient interviews. A senior physician received the proposed recommendations and decided which should be implemented. The main outcome was the number of patients having ≥1 medication where deprescribing status was sustained 30 days after inclusion. Out of 76 eligible patients, 72 (95%) were included and 67 (93%) completed the study (57% male; mean age 73 years; mean number of 10 prescribed medications). Nineteen patients (56%) in the intervention group and four (12%) in the control group had ≥1 medication where deprescribing status was sustained 30 days after inclusion (p = 0.015). In total, 37 medications were deprescribed in the intervention group and five in the control group. At 365+ days after inclusion, 97% and 100% of the deprescribed medications were sustained in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The three most frequently deprescribed medication groups were analgesics, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal medications. In conclusion, a collaborative deprescribing intervention for multimorbid patients was feasible and resulted in sustainable deprescribing of medication in a SMOC.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 198-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sónia Chan ◽  
Sérgio Ferreira ◽  
Bruno Ramos ◽  
Maria João Santos ◽  
Luís Carlos Matos ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: Acupuncture and moxibustion, when used together, have act mechanically and thermally on treated reflexological areas. The main goal of this work was to evaluate the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on the electrophysiological properties of the ulnar nerve. Methods: Electrical stimulation was applied to the ulnar nerve above the epi­condyle of 28 volunteers. A 20-V potential was applied, and after each 10 impulses it was increased by 10 V, up to a maximum of 80 V. At 20 and 80 V, the participants were asked to rate the discomfort from 0 to 10 on a Numeric Rating Scale for pain. After the first stimulation and data collection, the control group rested for 6 min, while the intervention group was submitted to acupuncture and moxibustion on Lingdao (HT 4). Following this period of time, a second electrical stimulation was performed on both groups. Results: The discomfort was greater in the intervention group during the second stimulation. The stimulus required to achieve the maximum amplitude decreased, but the changes were only statistically significant in the intervention group (p = 0.006). An increase in latency and a decrease in reaction velocity were noticed between the first and the second stimulation for both groups; however, only the control group presented statistically significant differences (p = 0.018 and p = 0.022, respectively). Conclusions: Acupuncture and moxibustion on HT 4 increased the electrical sensitivity, decreased the stimulus intensity to achieve the maximum amplitude, and avoided a significant increase in latency and decrease in reaction velocity in two consecutive electrical stimulations.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Friedrich C. Jassil ◽  
Sean Manning ◽  
Neville Lewis ◽  
Siri Steinmo ◽  
Helen Kingett ◽  
...  

Background.Lifestyle intervention programs after bariatric surgery have been suggested to maximise health outcomes. This pilot study aimed to investigate the feasibility and impact of an 8-week combined supervised exercise with nutritional-behavioral intervention following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.Methods.Eight female patients (44 ± 8 years old, BMI = 38.5 ± 7.2 kgm−2) completed the program. Before and after intervention, anthropometric measures, six-minute walk test (6MWT), physical activity level, eating behavior, and quality of life (QoL) were assessed. Percentage weight loss (%WL) outcomes were compared with a historical matched control group.Results.The program significantly improved functional capacity (mean increment in 6MWT was 127 ± 107 meters,p=0.043), increased strenuous intensity exercise (44 ± 49 min/week,p=0.043), increased consumption of fruits and vegetables (p=0.034), reduced consumption of ready meals (p=0.034), and improved “Change in Health” in QoL domain (p=0.039). The intervention group exhibited greater %WL in the 3–12-month postsurgery period compared to historical controls, 12.2 ± 7.5% versus 5.1 ± 5.4%, respectively (p=0.027).Conclusions.Lifestyle intervention program following bariatric surgery is feasible and resulted in several beneficial outcomes. A large randomised control trial is now warranted.


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