scholarly journals Effectiveness and Safety of Physical Therapy Intervention in Adult Dermatomyositis: A Case Report and Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (S9) ◽  
pp. 5-20
Author(s):  
Akulwar-Tajane Isha ◽  

BACKGROUND The evidence for positive effects of exercise is insufficient in dermatomyositis. This article aims to outline the effects of physical exercise with regard to structure (Disease activity, inflammation, metabolic milieu and muscle structure) as well as clinical outcome in terms of impairment, activity limitation, participation restriction according to the ICF; and QOL in an adult patient with dermatomyositis. CASE DESCRIPTION A 47-years old female diagnosed with definite DM since last 10 months was referred by a Rheumatologist for physical therapy intervention. INTERVENTION 12 weeks (Three days a week) of Physiotherapy (Moderate intensity, individualized, closely monitored) along with a structured home exercise program (Low intensity, 5 days - 6 days a week). OUTCOME MEASURES Assessment of muscular pain, muscle strength, endurance, balance, functional evaluation, and QOL along with serological investigations. RESULTS Effectiveness Patient continued to show meaningful and clinically significant improvement on standardized outcome measures: 1. A major clinical response (total improvement score of 77) on IMAC S core set measures. 2. Improvement across all domains of ICF viz. muscle strength; endurance; movement coordination; balance; aerobic endurance; confidence and performance in activities of daily living; participation in social activities. 3. Probable disease-modifying effect: Progressively tapering dose of prescribed corticosteroids medication and improvement in disease-specific biochemical markers. 4. Patient reported measures: Reduction in muscular pain, shortness of breath & fatigue; and improvement in Healthrelated QOL. SAFETY (As evident clinically and from the investigations): 1. No adverse reaction to exercises or physical activity. 2. Remained in remission - stable disease activity. CONCLUSION Moderate intensity of physiotherapy intervention along with home exercise program is effective and safe in improving functional outcomes for dermatomyositis in a stable disease activity state. This case report enhances our understanding of the effects of physical exercise and may improve treatment and outcome in patients with dermatomyositis.

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-41
Author(s):  
Amila Kapetanović ◽  
Adila Horić ◽  
Dijana Avdic ◽  
Amila Jaganjac ◽  
Emina Softić

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess effects of strength, stretching and balance home exercise program (moderate intensity, performed once a day, five times a week) on quality of life of people with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Participants with knee osteoarthritis performed physical therapy for a period of two weeks at the Department for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The study group (n=30) continued to perform exercise program at home while the control group (n=30) did not continue the exercise program. The participants in the study group performed strength, stretching and balance exercises of moderate intensity, once a day, five times a week, for a total of eight weeks. The Short Form-36 Health Questionnaire (SF-36) was used to examine the effects of exercise program. Results: There was no the difference between the average value of quality of life in all examined areas (physical functioning, role limitations due to physical problems, role limitations due to emotional problems, vitality/energy, mental health, social functioning, physical pain, perception of general health) at the beginning of the study between the study group and control group (p>0.05 in all eight areas). The difference between the average value of quality of life at the beginning and end of the study was statistically significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group (physical functioning p=0.0001; role limitations due to physical problems p=0.0001; role limitations due to emotional problems p=0.0001; vitality/energy p=0.0001; mental health p=0.0001; social functioning p=0.0001; bodily pain p=0.0001; perception of general health p=0.0001). Conclusion: Home exercise program consisting of strength, stretching and balance exercises, of moderate intensity, performed once a day, five times a week is effective in improving quality of life of people with knee osteoarthritis.


Medicina ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 49 (8) ◽  
pp. 54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Rätsepsoo ◽  
Helena Gapeyeva ◽  
Jelena Sokk ◽  
Jaan Ereline ◽  
Tiit Haviko ◽  
...  

Background and Objective. The aim of this study was to compare the leg extensor muscle strength, the postural stability, and the fear of falling in the women with severe knee joint osteoarthritis (OA) before and after a 2-month home exercise program (HEP). Material and Methods. In total, 17 women aged 46–72 years with late-stage knee joint OA scheduled for total knee arthroplasty participated in this study before and after the 2-month HEP with strengthening, stretching, balance, and step exercises. The isometric peak torque (PT) of the leg extensors and postural stability characteristics when standing on a firm or a foam surface for 30 seconds were recorded. The fear of falling and the pain intensity (VAS) were estimated. Results. A significant increase in the PT and the PT-to-body weight (PT-to-BW) ratio of the involved leg as well as the bilateral PT and the PT-to-BW ratio was found after the 2-month HEP compared with the data before the HEP (P<0.05). The PT and the PT-to-BW ratio of the involved leg were significantly lower compared with the uninvolved leg before the HEP (P<0.05). The center of the pressure sway length (foam surface) decreased significantly after the HEP (P<0.05). Significant correlations were found between the PT of the involved leg and the bilateral PT and the fear of falling and between the PT of the involved leg and the postural sway (foam surface) before the HEP. Conclusions. After the 2-month HEP, the leg extensor muscle strength increased and the postural sway length on a foam surface decreased. The results indicate that the increased leg extensor muscle strength improves postural stability and diminishes the fear of falling in women with latestage knee joint OA.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciano Moscarelli ◽  
Francesco Sofi ◽  
Gabriele Mascherini ◽  
Vittorio Bini ◽  
Chiara Ingletto ◽  
...  

Introduction: Renal transplant recipients (RTRs) are at high cardiovascular risk (CV) compared to the general population, especially after surgical treatment. The literature supports the role of supervised exercise intervention; however no data are available regarding the effects of unsupervised exercise programs. We investigated whether a home exercise program could reduce CV risk in RTR based on possible changes in renal and cardiometabolic parameters and myocardial performance measured by echocardiography. Methods: From a large cohort of 60 RTRs, 30 RTRs (12 females and 18 males 48.3 ± 12.3 years) participated in individualized and unsupervised training programs for 6 months, at moderate intensity. Cardiometabolic risk factors, anthropometric parameters, lipid and glycemic blood sample profiles were studied as was myocardial performance from the 2D echo examination at T0, and T6 months. Results: The lipid profile remained in the range of a low level of risk, although there was no significant improvement, whereas myocardial performance, in particular the EF, was significantly improved. Conclusions: A home exercise program for at least 6 months produces positive effects on myocardial function and helps maintain a low cardiovascular risk profile. The trend supports the importance of highlighting the role of a correct reconditioning of lifestyle in RTR, from the exercise program without supervision to moderate intensity, where well tolerated.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 109
Author(s):  
Isabel Reed ◽  
Stacy Menz ◽  
Beth A. Smith

The objective of this case series was to examine the potential of the Otteroo as a tool to support physical therapy intervention in infants with or at risk for developmental disability. The Otteroo is a float with potential for use in aquatic therapy sessions or as part of a home exercise program. By tracking the amount of use and caregiver perception of the child’s response, we aimed to generate an understanding of the Otteroo’s potential as a family-based adjunct to physical therapy. Four children at risk of developmental delay participated in this study. The Otteroo was provided for four weeks, with recommendations for use. We used an activity log to track usage and collected survey data of caregiver perception of the child’s response. Activity logs showed that use ranged from 3–7 interactions and a total of 40–99.5 min (x¯ = 54.88, SD = 29.75). The survey responses varied as to whether caregivers perceived their children enjoyed the experience. Future research should focus on finding effective methods of encouraging Otteroo use if efficacy of an intervention is to be tested. This initial work provides a foundation for future efficacy research with the Otteroo in children with or at risk for developmental delay.


2006 ◽  
Vol 86 (3) ◽  
pp. 401-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Forkan ◽  
Breeanna Pumper ◽  
Nicole Smyth ◽  
Hilary Wirkkala ◽  
Marcia A Ciol ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and Purpose. This study looked at adherence, and factors affecting adherence, to a prescribed home exercise program (HEP) in older adults with impaired balance following discharge from physical therapy. Subjects. The subjects were 556 older adults (≥65 years of age) who were discharged from physical therapy during the period 2000 to 2003. Methods. A survey was developed to determine participation in a HEP. Univariate logistic regressions identified specific barriers and motivators that were associated with exercise participation following discharge from physical therapy. Results. Ninety percent of respondents reported receiving a HEP; 37% no longer performed it. Change in health status was the primary reason for poor adherence to a HEP. Eight barriers (no interest, poor health, weather, depression, weakness, fear of falling, shortness of breath, and low outcomes expectation) were associated with a lack of postdischarge participation in exercise. Discussion and Conclusions. Exercise adherence following discharge from a physical therapy program is poor among older adults. Barriers, not motivators, appear to predict adherence. [Forkan R, Pumper B, Smyth N, et al. Exercise adherence following physical therapy intervention in older adults with impaired balance.


2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 14-20
Author(s):  
Gregory G. Billy ◽  
Sayers J. Miller

An avid weightlifter presented with complaints of right arm and hand numbness. His workup was consistent with neurologic thoracic outlet syndrome with severe conduction block at the level of the supraclavicular fossa. He chose conservative treatment, which focused on correction of thoracic and cervical segmental dysfunction, upper crossed syndrome muscle imbalances, and upper trunk and anterior forward head postural concerns. Upon completion of the therapy program and continuation of a home exercise program, his conduction block and symptoms resolved. Conservative treatment may be an effective alternative to surgery for neurologic thoracic outlet syndrome.


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 74
Author(s):  
Jelena Sokk ◽  
Monika Rätsepsoo ◽  
Tatjana Kums ◽  
Jaan Ereline ◽  
Tiit Haviko ◽  
...  

On patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) the muscle strength, gait and  everyday activities performance capacity decreased, though patients care started many years before. Patients care includes supervised physio therapy sessions and home exercise performing. Research goal was to assess the improvement in patients with knee OA motor performance with home exercise program (HEP) 8-weeks before total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Hypothesis: 8-week HEP improve legs motor performance in patients with knee OA. Ten female patients with knee OA with the mean (±SE) age of 62.7±2.3 yrs; ten age- and gender-matched healthy controls with the mean (±SE) age of 62.6±1.1 yrs. Motor performance was assessed by isometric strength of the quadriceps femoris (QF) and hamstring (HM) muscles, gait, Five-Time-Sit-to-Stand (FTSTS) test and knee active range of motion (aROM) before and after 8-week HEP. Outcome was measured by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). After 8-week HEP, QF and HM isometric strength, knee aROM during flexion and the gait stride length for the involved leg increased (p<0.05) compared to pre-exercising level. The WOMAC score increased and FTSTS test time shortened (p<0.05) after 8-week HEP. Difference in measured parameters between the patients involved leg decreased as compared to uninvolved leg and controls. Study showed that after 8-week HEP improved involved leg thigh’s muscle strength, knee aROM, and stride length. Sit to stand test performance and patient’s self-assessed condition improved. In conclusion, HEP with at least 8 weeks should be recommended for patients with knee OA before TKA.


Author(s):  
Timothy E. Speicher ◽  
Jia-wen Cui ◽  
Stephen D. Scharmann

Abstract A 17-year-old female Caucasian soccer player presented with severe right shoulder pain and scapular winging due to brachial plexus neuritis. Over the course of 6 weeks, the patient received Positional Release Therapy once a week coupled with electrical modalities, massage and a daily home exercise program. The form of brachial plexus neuritis the patient was diagnosed with was Parsonage-Turner Syndrome, a rare condition often resistant to traditional physical therapy, typically persists for six months to years, at times requiring surgical intervention. This case report is unique because it is the first to utilize Positional Release Therapy for its treatment and one which resolved more quickly than typically reported.


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