Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

J Headache Pain 2019 Feb 14;20(1):16. Epub 2019 Feb 14.

Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.

Background: In patients with frequent migraine, prophylactic treatments are used. Patients often request non-pharmacological alternatives. One treatment option can be aerobic exercise. Read More

PM R 2019 Feb 6. Epub 2019 Feb 6.

Director, Clinical Research: Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, Allina Health, MN.

Background: Studies have shown that rehabilitation and fitness throughout cancer treatment interventions have been linked to improved outcomes for morbidity and mortality of cancer patients. This study serves to detail the efficacy of the Cancer Rehabilitation Physical Therapy Fitness and Debility (Ca PT) Program in cancer patients.

Objective: To describe the clinical population of cancer patients referred to the Ca PT Program and evaluate the efficacy of the program's therapy protocol in improving cardiopulmonary performance and cancer-related fatigue and pain. Read More

Addict Sci Clin Pract 2019 Feb 4;14(1). Epub 2019 Feb 4.

Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Background: Residential opioid rehabilitation aims to improve the mental health and quality of life of opioid users through abstinence and residential program participation. This study aimed to determine the depression, anxiety, stress and quality of life amongst maintenance to abstinence (MTA) program residents. Secondary study aims were to assess the personal characteristics of MTA clients, addiction and risk taking behaviours, factors associated with program completion, as well as to assess the reliable change in participants' mental health and quality of life on exit. Read More

Patient Educ Couns 2019 Jan 21. Epub 2019 Jan 21.

Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore. Electronic address:

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of the "Living Successfully with Low Vision" (LSLV) self-management program to improve patient-reported outcomes in Singaporeans.

Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 165 participants with low vision (LV) were recruited and assigned to usual care (LV aid training only; N = 82) or LSLV program (N = 83). The LSLV program focuses on problem solving, coping mechanism and anticipation/preparation for future needs. Read More

Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019 Feb 1;2:CD007131. Epub 2019 Feb 1.

School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4P 2L8.

Background: International clinical practice guidelines routinely recommend that cardiac patients participate in rehabilitation programmes for comprehensive secondary prevention. However, data show that only a small proportion of these patients utilise rehabilitation.

Objectives: First, to assess interventions provided to increase patient enrolment in, adherence to, and completion of cardiac rehabilitation. Read More

Surv Ophthalmol 2019 Jan 28. Epub 2019 Jan 28.

Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Visual impairment in childhood often has lifelong implications. In order to aim for the highest levels of functioning, participation and quality of life and to ensure children's wellbeing, children should be entitled to the most effective rehabilitation programs. We review evidence for the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions for children with visual impairment to improve skills and behavior, thereby improving participation and quality of life as an ultimate goal. Read More

BMJ Open 2019 Jan 24;9(1):e021283. Epub 2019 Jan 24.

Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a government-regulated rehabilitation guideline compared with education and activation by general practitioners, and to a preferred-provider insurance-based rehabilitation programme on self-reported global recovery from acute whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) grade I-II.

Design: Pragmatic randomised clinical trial with blinded outcome assessment.

Setting: Multidisciplinary rehabilitation clinics and general practitioners in Ontario, Canada. Read More

Occup Ther Health Care 2019 Jan 8:1-27. Epub 2019 Jan 8.

c Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine , University of Dublin , Trinity College , Dublin , Ireland.

An occupational therapy memory strategy education group (MSEG) was developed to assist clients with varying levels of memory impairment to adopt strategies to manage memory impairment in their daily lives. Participants were healthy older adults presenting with subjective memory complaints (SMC, n = 14), mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 33), or early stages of dementia (n = 13). Clients and their caregivers attended a one-hour session each week for six weeks. Read More

Phys Ther 2018 Dec 17. Epub 2018 Dec 17.

Department of Physical Therapy, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio.

Background: Clinical education curricular models specifically related to integrated clinical education (ICE) are quite variable across physical therapist education programs. A need exists to investigate the interconnectedness of ICE to the advancement of a shared vision for clinical education in professional physical therapist (PT) education.

Purpose: The purpose of this scoping review was to: (1) define ICE; (2) define baseline expectations and parameters of ICE; and (3) discern and describe current ICE models. Read More

Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2018 Nov 19. Epub 2018 Nov 19.

School of Occupational Therapy, Texas Woman's University, Dallas, TX.

Based on a review of the evidence, members of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Stroke Group's Movement Interventions Task Force offer these 5 recommendations to help improve transitions of care for patients and their caregivers: (1) improving communication processes; (2) using transition specialists; (3) implementing a patient-centered discharge checklist; (4) using standardized outcome measures; and (5) establishing partnerships with community wellness programs. Because of changes in health care policy, there are incentives to improve transitions during stroke rehabilitation. Although transition management programs often include multidisciplinary teams, medication management, caregiver education, and follow-up care management, there is a lack of a comprehensive and standardized approach to implement transition management protocols during poststroke rehabilitation. Read More

Am J Speech Lang Pathol 2018 Nov 16:1-18. Epub 2018 Nov 16.

Aphasia Research Laboratory, Speech and Hearing Sciences, Boston University, MA.

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of an intensive cognitive-communication rehabilitation (ICCR) program for young individuals with chronic acquired brain injury.

Method: ICCR included classroom lectures; metacognitive instruction, modeling, and application; technology skills training; and individual cognitive-linguistic therapy. Four individuals participated in the intensive program (6 hr with 1-hr lunch break × 4 days × 12 weeks of treatment): 3 participants completed 3 consecutive semesters, and 1 participant completed 1 semester. Read More

Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2019 Feb 9;100(2):327-335. Epub 2018 Nov 9.

Parkwood Institute Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.

Objective: To use the theoretical frameworks of implementation science to implement pressure injury (PI) prevention best practices in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation.

Design: Quality improvement.

Setting: Six Canadian SCI rehabilitation centers. Read More

Complement Ther Clin Pract 2018 Nov 24;33:149-155. Epub 2018 Sep 24.

2001 Newburg Road, Nolen C. Allen Hall, Physical Therapy Program, School of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health Professions, Bellarmine University, Louisville, KY, 40205, USA. Electronic address:

Individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) typically display symptoms of rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability that can limit participation in recreational activities. The purpose of this clinical report is to describe the development, implementation, and outcomes of a novel and innovative community-based golf and exercise program for individuals with PD. In response to community interest, the program was developed through a unique partnership that blended the expertise of physical therapists and golf professionals. Read More

Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2018 10 30;15(1):106. Epub 2018 Oct 30.

Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Open University of the Netherlands, PO Box 2960, 6401 DL, Heerlen, The Netherlands.

Background: Physical activity (PA) is beneficial in improving negative physical and psychological effects of cancer and cancer treatment, but adherence to PA guidelines is low. Computer-tailored PA interventions can reach large populations with little resources. They match with patients' preference for home-based, unsupervised PA programs and are thus promising for the growing population of cancer survivors. Read More

BMC Cancer 2018 Oct 23;18(1):1031. Epub 2018 Oct 23.

University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.

Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is commonly used to treat prostate cancer. However, side effects of ADT often lead to reduced quality of life and physical function. Existing evidence demonstrates that exercise can ameliorate multiple treatment-related side effects for men on ADT, yet adherence rates are often low. Read More

Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2018 Oct 22;16(1):67. Epub 2018 Oct 22.

Division of Rheumatology, K4-123 ACB, British Columbia Children's Hospital, 4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3V4, Canada.

Background: Arthritis in childhood can be associated with muscle weakness around affected joints, low bone mass and low bone strength. Exercise is recognized as an important part of management of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) but the exercise prescription to best promote bone and muscle health is unknown. We therefore aimed to: 1. Read More

Lancet Oncol 2018 Nov 18;19(11):e588-e653. Epub 2018 Oct 18.

European Palliative Care Research Centre, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.

Full integration of oncology and palliative care relies on the specific knowledge and skills of two modes of care: the tumour-directed approach, the main focus of which is on treating the disease; and the host-directed approach, which focuses on the patient with the disease. This Commission addresses how to combine these two paradigms to achieve the best outcome of patient care. Randomised clinical trials on integration of oncology and palliative care point to health gains: improved survival and symptom control, less anxiety and depression, reduced use of futile chemotherapy at the end of life, improved family satisfaction and quality of life, and improved use of health-care resources. Read More

Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2019 Feb 12;100(2):289-299. Epub 2018 Oct 12.

Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Electronic address:

Objective: To examine the association between activity limitation stages and patient satisfaction and perceived quality of medical care among younger Medicare beneficiaries.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) for calendar years 2001-2011. Read More

Respir Res 2018 Sep 20;19(1):182. Epub 2018 Sep 20.

University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Respiratory Diseases, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.

Background: Few data are available on the long-term effect of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) and on long PR programs in interstitial lung diseases (ILD). We aimed to evaluate the effects of PR on exercise capacity (6-Minute Walking Distance, 6MWD; Peak Work Rate, W), quality of life (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire, SGRQ), quadriceps force (QF) and objectively measured physical activity in ILD after the 6-month PR-program and after 1 year.

Methods: 60 patients (64 ± 11 years; 62% males; 23% with IPF) were randomly assigned to receive a 6 month-PR program or usual medical care. Read More

JBI Database System Rev Implement Rep 2018 Dec;16(12):2304-2329

School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.

Review Objective: The objective of this review was to investigate the effectiveness of nurse-led cardiac rehabilitation programs following coronary artery bypass graft surgery on patients' health-related quality of life and hospital readmission.

Introduction: Coronary heart disease is a major cause of death and disability worldwide, putting a great strain on healthcare resources. For the past two decades, population-wide primary prevention and individual healthcare approaches have resulted in a dramatic decline in overall cardiac mortality. Read More

Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2019 Jan 27;100(1):1-8. Epub 2018 Aug 27.

Department of Emergency Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.

Objective: To perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of a multifactorial, tailored intervention to reduce falls among a heterogeneous group of high-risk elderly people.

Design: Randomized control trial.

Settings: Communities. Read More

Pilot Feasibility Stud 2018 6;4:134. Epub 2018 Aug 6.

The Department of the Elderly and Disabled, Ørbækvej 100, SØ 5220 Odense, Denmark.

Background: Community-dwelling older adults receiving support at home such as meals-on-wheels may lose the ability to preserve social, cognitive, and functional abilities, when becoming accustomed to and dependent of community aged care. When still able to cook older adults often hold some control over the foods that are prepared and which they eat, and which helps to foster identity. The purpose of this study is to assess feasibility of outcome measurements and sample size when conducting a pilot cluster randomized trial to evaluate community-dwelling older adults being involved in activities in relation to meals in a rehabilitation program. Read More

Holist Nurs Pract 2018 Sep/Oct;32(5):253-260

School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin Univeristy, Geelong, Australia (Dr Evans); and Pediatric Pain Program, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (Mss Seidman, Lung, and Sternlieb and Dr Zeltzer).

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition associated with recurrent abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. It is particularly pernicious to youth, who may withdraw from life tasks due to pain, diarrhea, and/or fear of symptoms. Emotional stress exacerbates IBS symptoms, and mind-body interventions may be beneficial. Read More

Hormones (Athens) 2018 Sep 15;17(3):397-403. Epub 2018 Aug 15.

1st Medical Propedeutic Dept. of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 1 Kiriakidi, 54621, Thessaloniki, Greece.

Objective: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) constitutes a real challenge in everyday practice for both physicians and patients. Due to the complexity of the disease and its unpredictable nature, structured education and training programs are nowadays implemented that ensure active patient involvement and self-care behaviors to achieve adequate glycemic control, prevent diabetic complications, and improve the quality of life of patients. These programs provide patients with the necessary knowledge and skills to self-monitor and self-manage the disease and its associated metabolic conditions. Read More

PLoS One 2018 15;13(8):e0200720. Epub 2018 Aug 15.

Department of Occupational and Public Health, VU University medical center, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Background: Colorectal cancer is diagnosed progressively in employed patients due to screening programs and increasing retirement age. The objective of this study was to identify prognostic factors for return to work and work disability in patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods: The research protocol was published at PROSPERO with registration number CRD42017049757. Read More

Games Health J 2018 Aug 8;7(4):253-261. Epub 2018 Aug 8.

2 School of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport, Western Kentucky University , Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Objective: A significant barrier to improving the health and well-being of older adults is that they often do not adhere to health-promoting programs. The present study examined whether Bingocize, a game-centered mobile app that can combine bingo with healthy activities such as exercise and/or health topic education, could (1) engender high rates of adherence among sedentary community-dwelling older adults, and (2) potentially improve aspects of physical and cognitive performance.

Materials And Methods: Participants used the app for ∼1 hour, twice per week, for 10 weeks. Read More

Rehabilitation (Stuttg) 2018 Jul 26. Epub 2018 Jul 26.

Neurologische Klinik, Philipps Universität Marburg und Paracelsus-Elena Klinik Kassel.

Active fall prevention requires analysis of the mechanisms provoking falls and the subsequent initiation of appropriate counteracting measures. This is crucial for the quality management of all rehabilitation programs. There is primary and secondary fall prevention. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2018 Jul;97(29):e11540

Department of Nursing, the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province.

Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an important factor to not only cause employment obstacle, but also result in serious social economic load. Several randomized controlled trials investigated the efficacy of group- versus home-based exercise programs in patients with AS. This systematic review will collect and summarize the available evidence to realize the effectiveness of group- and home-based programs in patients with AS. Read More

Int J Stroke 2018 Jan 1:1747493018785064. Epub 2018 Jan 1.

2 Rehabilitation Research Program, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada.

Rationale A top priority in stroke rehabilitation research is determining the appropriate exercise dose to optimize recovery. Although more intensive rehabilitation very early after stroke may be deleterious to recovery, inpatient rehabilitation, occurring after acute care, may be a more appropriate setting to assess therapeutic dose on neurological recovery. Hypothesis Individuals receiving higher intensity and dose exercise programs will yield greater improvements in walking ability over usual inpatient physical therapy care. Read More

Pulmonology 2018 Jul - Aug;24(4):211-218. Epub 2018 Mar 12.

Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri: Scientific Institute, IRCCS, Montescano, Italy.

Background And Objective: There are barriers to providing pulmonary rehabilitation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as the high number of patients, difficult access to health facilities and high costs of programs. Pedometers can monitor and improve physical activity (PA). The aim of this study was to evaluate benefits and costs of home pedometer assisted PA, as compared to a standard outpatient supervised exercise training program in patients with COPD. Read More

Eur J Phys Rehabil Med 2018 Dec 6;54(6):890-899. Epub 2018 Jul 6.

Neuroengineering and Medical Robotics Laboratory, Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Polytechnic University of Milan, Milan, Italy.

Background: Current models of pain behavior suggest that kinesiophobia prevents the reacquisition of normal function, promotes the development of maladaptive coping strategies, and contributes to the disability associated with chronic neck pain (NP).

Aim: Comparing two brief cognitive-behavioral programs aimed at managing kinesiophobia to understand which one induces better short-term improvements in disability, fear of movement, catastrophizing, adaptive coping strategies, quality of life (QoL), and pain intensity of chronic NP.

Design: Pilot, randomized, controlled trial, 3-months follow-up. Read More

Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J 2018 Apr-Jun;14(2):77-88

HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAL, HOUSTON, TEXAS.

The perioperative care of the surgical patient is undergoing a paradigm shift. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs are becoming the standard of care and best practice in many surgical specialties throughout the world. ERAS is a multimodal, multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach to care of the surgical patient that aims to optimize perioperative management and outcomes. Read More

Neurosurgery 2018 Jun 16. Epub 2018 Jun 16.

Department of Neurosurgery, Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands.

Background: Many patients with primary brain tumors suffer from cognitive deficits, which negatively impact their quality of life. However, cognitive rehabilitation programs for these patients are scarce. We developed an iPad-based cognitive rehabilitation program for brain tumor patients, which was based on our effective face-to-face cognitive rehabilitation program. Read More

Comput Methods Programs Biomed 2018 Aug 1;162:1-10. Epub 2018 May 1.

Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Greece; Lab of Computing, Medical Informatics and Biomedical Imaging Technologies, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.

Background: Exercise-based rehabilitation plays a key role in improving the health and quality of life of patients with Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Home-based computer-assisted rehabilitation programs have the potential to facilitate and support physical activity interventions and improve health outcomes.

Objectives: We present the development and evaluation of a computerized Decision Support System (DSS) for unsupervised exercise rehabilitation at home, aiming to show the feasibility and potential of such systems toward maximizing the benefits of rehabilitation programs. Read More

JMIR Res Protoc 2018 Jun 12;7(6):e137. Epub 2018 Jun 12.

Hollywood Private Hospital, Nedlands, Australia.

Background: Total hip arthroplasty is an effective surgical procedure commonly used worldwide for patients suffering the disabling effects of osteoarthritis when medical therapy is unsuccessful. Traditionally pre- and postoperative information for patients undergoing a hip arthroplasty has been provided by paper-based methods. Electronic health (eHealth) programs to support individualized patient education on preoperative preparation, in-patient care, and home rehabilitation have the potential to increase patient engagement, enhance patient recovery, and reduce potential postoperative complications. Read More

J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2018 Aug 7;27(8):2277-2284. Epub 2018 Jun 7.

Department of Medicine, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, Texas. Electronic address:

Background: The development of primary stroke centers has improved outcomes for stroke patients. Telestroke networks have expanded the reach of stroke experts to underserved, geographically remote areas. This study illustrates the outcome and cost differences between neurology and primary care ischemic stroke admissions to demonstrate a need for telestroke networks within the Military Health System (MHS). Read More

Med Probl Perform Art 2018 06;33(2):137-145

Department of Occupational Therapy, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA.

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of neuromuscular re-education programs on reducing abnormal movements during instrument play in musicians with focal hand dystonia (FHD).

Methods: A systematic literature search of published articles was performed. Databases searched included MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, OTseeker, and the Cochrane Library. Read More

Health Aff (Millwood) 2018 06;37(6):854-863

Ezekiel J. Emanuel is the Diane V. S. Levy and Robert M. Levy University Professor, chair of the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, and vice provost for global initiatives, all at the University of Pennsylvania.

We analyzed data from Medicare and the American Hospital Association Annual Survey to compare characteristics and baseline performance among hospitals in Medicare's voluntary (Bundled Payments for Care Improvement initiative, or BPCI) and mandatory (Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Model, or CJR) joint replacement bundled payment programs. BPCI hospitals had higher mean patient volume and were larger and more teaching intensive than were CJR hospitals, but the two groups had similar risk exposure and baseline episode quality and cost. BPCI hospitals also had higher cost attributable to institutional postacute care, largely driven by inpatient rehabilitation facility cost. Read More

Neural Plast 2018 6;2018:2651918. Epub 2018 May 6.

Department of Methods and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) patients experience cognitive impairment which has been related to reduced quality of life and functional disability. These symptoms usually progress until dementia occurs. Some studies have been published assessing the efficacy of cognitive treatments on improving cognition, functional outcome, and producing changes in brain activity. Read More

Health Qual Life Outcomes 2018 May 29;16(1):104. Epub 2018 May 29.

Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.

Measuring health and wellbeing outcomes of community aged care programs is a complex task given the diverse settings in which care takes place and the intersection of numerous factors affecting an individual's quality of life outcomes. Knowledge of a strong causal relationship between services provided and the final outcome enables confidence in assuming the care provided was largely responsible for the outcome achieved (Courtney et al., Aust J Adv Nurs 26:49-57, 2009). Read More

J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2018 06 1;27(6):815-829. Epub 2018 May 1.

1 School of Allied Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University , Bundoora, Australia .

Objectives: The aim of the current study was to determine the effects of education with targeted or sham exercise on pain and function in postmenopausal women with greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS).

Background: Conservative management of GTPS is poorly described, and to date, there have been no studies on education with exercise as an intervention for GTPS. Ninety-four postmenopausal women with GTPS were recruited to participate in this study. Read More

Curr Drug Abuse Rev 2017 ;10(1):52-67

National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), University of NSW, Sydney, Australia.

Background And Objectives: Despite the importance of Indigenous drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation, the knowledge supporting these services is limited. This paper aims to: (i) identify the research output related to Indigenous drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation services; (ii) classify identified studies according to their methodology; and (iii) describe key characteristics of clients and services, and critique the research methods.

Methods: A PRISMA compliant search of 10 electronic databases for studies of Indigenous drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation services from Australia, United States, Canada and New Zealand, published between 1 January 2000 and 28 March 2016, was conducted. Read More

Transplant Proc 2018 Apr;50(3):831-834

Rehabilitation Center, Hospital Municipal da Vila Santa Catarina, São Paulo, Brazil.

Transplant candidates have advanced chronic disease, which often leads to muscular and respiratory impairment contributing to reduced quality of life and daily life activities, and these patients are therefore referred to physiotherapy service. Because of this, it is necessary to know the epidemiologic and functional profile for a better physiotherapeutic approach. Inpatients of kidney, liver, heart, lung and multivisceral transplantation programs were followed up for 1 year. Read More

Braz J Phys Ther 2018 Nov - Dec;22(6):493-501. Epub 2018 Apr 4.

Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.

Background: Respiratory muscle weakness and its relation to other impairments in children with cerebral palsy (CP) have been shown in the latest studies. The effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in this population have not been comprehensively investigated so far.

Objectives: To investigate the effects of IMT on trunk control, pulmonary functions, respiratory muscle strength, daily living activities, exercise capacity and quality of life in children with CP. Read More

Chron Respir Dis 2019 Jan-Dec;16:1479972318767732. Epub 2018 Apr 9.

7 CHU-UCL Namur, site Mont-Godinne, Service de Pneumologie, Université catholique de Louvain, Yvoir, Belgium.

Despite overwhelming evidence of its benefits, a widespread implementation of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is lacking and the landscape of multidisciplinary programs remains very scattered. The objective of this study is to assess how PR is organized in specialized care centres in Belgium and to identify which barriers may exist according to respiratory physicians. A telephone and online survey was developed by a Belgian expert panel and distributed among all active Belgian chest physicians ( n = 492). Read More

Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018 04 6;4:CD005263. Epub 2018 Apr 6.

Department of Vascular Surgery, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, Netherlands.

Background: Although supervised exercise therapy (SET) provides significant symptomatic benefit for patients with intermittent claudication (IC), it remains an underutilized tool. Widespread implementation of SET is restricted by lack of facilities and funding. Structured home-based exercise therapy (HBET) with an observation component (e. Read More

Pol Merkur Lekarski 2018 Mar;44(261):150-151

Rehabilitation Department, Gdansk Medical University.

Comprehensive rehabilitation programs have so far been developed for many chronic diseases. It has been proven that their use can be safe and effective in lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There are still no standards of rehabilitation in the group of patients with sarcoidosis available. Read More

BMJ Open 2018 03 22;8(3):e019425. Epub 2018 Mar 22.

Medicine Division, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Jurong Community Hospital, Members of the NUHS, Singapore.

Objective: The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) integrated care pathway (ICP) programme was designed and implemented to ensure that the care for patients with COPD is comprehensive and integrated across different care settings from primary care to acute hospital and home. We evaluated the effectiveness of the ICP programme for patients with COPD.

Design, Setting And Participants: A retrospective propensity score matched cohort study was conducted comparing differences between programme enrolees and propensity-matched non-enrolees in a Regional Health System in Singapore. Read More

PLoS One 2018 13;13(3):e0192417. Epub 2018 Mar 13.

Department of Statistics, Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Segamat Campus, Segamat, Johor, Malaysia.

Background: Self-care behaviour is essential in preventing diabetes foot problems. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of health education programs based on the self-efficacy theory on foot self-care behaviour for older adults with diabetes.

Methods: A randomised controlled trial was conducted for 12 weeks among older adults with diabetes in elderly care facility in Peninsular Malaysia. Read More