Efficacy of myofascial therapy and kinesitherapy in improving function in shoulder pathology with prolonged immobilization: A randomized,single-blind,controlled trial

BackgroundThe best physiotherapeutic approach in shoulder pathology that generates prolonged immobilization is still uncertain. Kinesitherapy remains the most widely used option. Myofascial therapy is a therapeutic approach in which the aim is to release fascial tension and regain mobility although its efficacy in shoulder pathology has not been sufficiently studied. This Prospective, single-blind randomized controlled trial in a university hospital setting aimed to compare the efficacy of myofascial therapy and kinesitherapy in improving function in shoulder pathology with prolonged immobilization.MethodsPatients were randomly assigned to a control group or to the intervention group.Both groups completed a therapeutic exercise program. Main Outcome Measures: The QuickDash questionnaire was the primary outcome, Pain Visual Analog Scale and the Range Of Motion of the shoulder were the secondary outcomes. The outcomes were evaluated at baseline (T0), at 4 (T2), 8 (T2), and 12 weeks (T3)Results44 participants were included. In the analysis of evolution over time, a significant improvement in functionality and range of motion measurements was observed in both groups (p < 0.05), although at 12 weeks only Myofasical Group achieved a clinically and statistically significant reduction in pain. Comparative analysis at 12 weeks revealed no statistically significant differences between the two therapies in the variables explored.ConclusionsBoth, myofascial therapy and kinesitherapy can improve function, mobility, and pain in patients with painful shoulder associated with prolonged immobilization, with no significant differences between therapies, although in the medium term only myofascial therapy achieves a clinically and statistically significant improvement in pain.Trial registrationTrial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04944446.     

Prospective feasibility study of a mindfulness-based program for breast cancer patients in the southeastern US

BackgroundMindfulness interventions can improve psychological distress and quality of life (QoL) in cancer survivors. Few mindfulness programs for cancer recovery exist in Southeastern U.S. The primary objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of a modified mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program for breast cancer patients in Birmingham, Alabama. The secondary objective was to explore potential program effects on mindfulness skills and QoL.MethodsThis study was a prospective, quasi-experimental feasibility study conducted over 10 months at a university hospital. Feasibility was achieved if 80% of eligible patients screened enrolled in the study and 70% of enrolled patients attended all 8 program sessions. Effectiveness was estimated by changes in mindfulness and QoL indicators measured with validated scales administered at 3 time points and assessed with a non-parametric Friedman test. Sessions included meditation, yoga, and an attention practice called body scan. There were 3 groups of 2–5 patients.ResultsThe sample totaled 12 patients. Forty-four percent (12/27) of eligible patients enrolled in the study, and two out of 12 enrolled patients completed 8 program sessions, resulting in 16.7% (2/12) retention. However, more than half (66.7%) of participants completed at least 7 sessions. Between baseline and 8-week follow-up, patients demonstrated statistically significant improvements in distress, general wellbeing, and fatigue-related QoL.ConclusionsFeasibility objectives were not achieved. However, a majority of participants (66.7%) completed 7 of 8 program sessions. Program effects were promising for distress, fatigue, and wellbeing. Results warrant further research on MBSR-like programs for breast cancer patients in Alabama.     

Feasibility,acceptability and effects of dance therapy in stroke patients: A systematic review

IntroductionStroke is the leading cause of non-traumatic disability in adults, with balance and gait disturbances representing the main limitations of body functions. Dance therapy (DT) has shown positive effects in older adults and in patients with neurological pathologies. This systematic review aims to examine the feasibility, acceptability and effects of DT in stroke rehabilitation, specifically on functional gains of gait and balance.MethodsA systematic search was carried out for articles published in the MEDLINE, PEDro, Web of Science, Scopus and CINHAL in February 2021 and updated in April 2021. Results: Eight studies were included (2 clinical cases, 5 case series and 1 randomized controlled trial), 7 of them in patients with chronic stroke and only 1 in subacute stroke phase. The most widely used dance modality was tango and ballet, with sessions ranging from 30 to 110 min. DT seems to show positive effects on post-stroke body functions and activities such as gait and balance. Reported dropout rates are inconsistent, no adverse effects were reported, and participant satisfaction was high.ConclusionGiven the heterogeneity and uneven quality of the included studies, strong conclusions cannot be put forward on the effectiveness of DT in post-stroke body function and activities. Nevertheless, DT seems to be safe and acceptable therapy for patients, and no adverse effects have been reported. More studies with a high level of evidence and feasibility are needed to determine the patient profile, the characteristics of the intervention, the participation rate and the role of the rehabilitation professional most likely to generate optimal benefit.     

Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale Scores as a Function of Age and Initial IQ in 210 Autistic Children

Human growth modeling statistics were utilized to examine how Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS) scores changed in individuals with autistic disorder as a function of both age and initial IQ. Results revealed that subjects improved with age in all domains. The rate of growth in Communication and Daily Living Skills was related to initial IQ while rate of growth in Social Skills was not. Results should provide hope for parents and further support for the importance of functional social-communication skills in the treatment of autism.     

Neurological soft signs in schizophrenia: Assessment and correlates

A German version of the Neurological Evaluation Scale (NES) was administered to 143 schizophrenic patients, 45 of them being severly chronic and disabled. Seventy-eight alcohol-dependent inpatients and 57 healthy volunteers were tested as control groups. Neurological soft signs (NSS) were rated with convincing agreement. Schizophrenic patients are more impaired on all scales than healthy controls. The chronic, severly disabled schizophrenic patients are more impaired compared with the main group of schizophrenic patients and both control groups. A significant patients and alcohol-dependent patients was only found for the subscale Motor Coordination. Compared with healthy controls the alcohol-dependent patients show a higher NES total score. The NES total score was related to the relative width of the third ventricle. Total score and subscales were correlated consistently with the level of cognitive functioning as measured by the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices and various neuropsychological tests presumably sensitive to dysfunctions of the prefrontal cortex. The NSS were related to positive as well as to negative symptoms, the correlations with negative symptoms being confined to items of Cognitive Disorganization. This close association of psychomotor and cognitive dysfunctions may be seen as related to the frequently discussed dysfunctions of the prefrontal cortex or the neurointegrative deficit postulated by Meehl.     

中西医结合对重症脑外伤昏迷病人促苏醒疗效观察

目的 :探讨醒脑开窍疗法对治疗重症颅脑损伤患者促苏醒作用以及对预后的影响。方法 :将 80例颅脑损伤患者 (GCS≤ 8)随机分成 2组 ,治疗组 4 0例 (在常规治疗基础上加用中药针刺疗法 ) ;对照组 4 0例。两组于伤后 1月按GCS预后评分评定预后 ,两组在促醒后 1月内意识好转率作一比较。结果 :治疗组预后恢复良好为 87 5 % ,显著高于对照组 6 2 5 % ,P <0 0 1;两组病死率差异无显著性意义 (P >0 0 5 )。治疗组 1月内清醒 32例 ,对照组 2 0例 ,P <0 0 1。结论 :中西医结合疗法在治疗重症脑外伤昏迷患者时 ,能加速促醒和提高生存质量。     

脑膜瘤患者手术相关生存质量的评价研究

目的探讨脑膜瘤患者的手术相关生存质量,为全面评估脑膜瘤手术提供相应的依据.方法参照WHOQOL-100及Karnofsky量表,设计脑膜瘤患者生存质量量表.对147例脑膜瘤患者及正常人群进行横断面调查比较,应用工作曲线(ROC)确定生存质量满意值,并采用自身前后对照设计,分析手术对生存质量的影响.结果脑膜瘤患者生存质量量表具有较好的信度和效度.本研究认为生存质量≥70分为获得满意生存质量.除心理功能外,脑膜瘤患者术后生理、独立性和日常生活能力明显改善(P<0.001).结论手术能使患者获得满意的生存质量;脑膜瘤患者生存质量量表测试有利于对脑膜瘤治疗效果的综合评价.     

中西医结合治疗脑血管疾病30例

中西医结合治疗脑血管疾病３０例山西省中医药研究院（太原０３００１２）柏晋梅自１９９５年２月～１９９６年５月，我们用中药制剂川芎嗪注射液、西药脑复康注射液，治疗脑血管疾病３０例，收到满意效果，现报告如下。临床资料以中华医学会第二次全国脑血管会议第三次修...     

Neurodevelopmental outcome after prenatal exposure to opiates

To study the developmental effects of prenatal exposure to opiates, a prospective follow up study of 34 drug-exposed (opiates and nicotine) and 42 reference infants (nicotine exposure only) was conducted from January 1992 to September 1995. At the time of delivery, 12 of 34 mothers used opiates without medical control. Twenty-two mothers participated in a methadone maintenance programme. At 1 year, the average Griffiths Developmental Quotient (DQ) was lower in the drug-exposed group (mean: 100.5 vs. references 107.9; P < 0.001). This difference was mainly due to lower subscales “locomotor” (mean 100.8 vs. 111.4; P < 0.05) and “intellectual performance” (mean 100.8 vs. 108.5; P < 0.05) in the drug-exposed group. Severe developmental retardation mean DQ (−2 SD) was diagnosed in 2 drug-exposed infants. Mild developmental retardation (mean DQ: 1 SD– > 2 SD) was found in 7 drug-exposed and in 3 reference infants (P < 0.05). Neurological abnormalities were found more frequently in the drug-exposed group (11 vs. 3 infants; P < 0.01). Among the opiate-exposed infants, the subscales “hearing and speech” and “intellectual performance” were lower in the uncontrolled drug-using than in the methadone group. The 17 fostered infants showed no difference in developmental outcome compared with the 10 infants living with their biological parents (mean DQ: 100.0 versus 101.3). Conclusions At 1 year infants prenatally exposed to opiates are at risk for mild psychomotor developmental impairment. Received: 1 August 1997 / Accepted in revised form: 15 January 1998