Jeff critically appraises a study looking at interactive gaming.
In one of my clinical placements in a school we had patients that had developmental delays due to a diagnosis of Down syndrome. The school PT and I would perform motor groups with some of these patients and their classmates before working individually with them. I saw many improvements in their gross motor skills as well as their social skills as a result of the motor group sessions. This led me to want to find more research on the benefits of sensorimotor group sessions as a PT intervention.
Have you heard of accelerated recovery programs, but aren’t sure what they are? Or are you wondering if they are safe and effective? If so, check out this post about the use of accelerated recovery programs following knee arthroplasty.
Jumper’s knee commonly occurs in athletes involved in jumping sports such as basketball and volleyball. Gradual onset of pain at the front of the knee below the knee cap is the most common complaint of patients experiencing jumper’s knee. Jesse appraises an article looking at possible treatments.
Can interactive gaming help improve balance for patients post-stroke? Article appraisal.
The purpose of this study was to compare traditional warm-up routines during practice and competition in collegiate women’s soccer to the experimental program of neuromuscular strength training.
The effectiveness of using an implanted functional electrical stimulation system in an individual with a cervical incomplete spinal cord injury for walking; address the use for the quality and efficiency of gait.
Study appraisal looking at what shoes the US Marines should buy to prevent injury, but there is little evidence that supports one shoe design over another.
Review of an article that incorporates balance into therapy sessions as a means to improve walking after spinal cord injury.
Adam takes a look at possible treatment for chronic shoulder pain, through critical appraisal of a randomized control trial.
Kristian appraises an article looking at manual therapy for sprained ankles.
Rather than opting for surgical procedures, the literature suggests that conservative treatment such as manual therapy, strengthening, and stretching can provide beneficial relief in pain and stiffness, while improving function. Matt discusses.
Jimmy reviews an article on whether manual physical therapy & exercise is more effective than exercise alone in the management of patients with inversion ankle sprains.
A comparison of training protocols for preventing ACL injuries in female athletes.
Physical therapy student Rachel, reviews an article looking at improving walking ability post-stroke.
A comparison of manual therapy to patellar taping in patients with Patello-Femoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)
Keely reviews the research and treatments that are being suggested as the best form of treatments for this type of pain in the study by Balthazard et al.
Can the effects of stationary aerobic cycling help improve ambulation distance and speed with patients who experience a stroke?
Travis critically appraises an article on ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury in soccer players
An article review about the effects of hip strengthening on treating Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.
Bryan looks at a study on assessing balance exercise programs for people with Alzheimer’s dementia
A summary of an article investigating whether or not conservative treatment of anterior shoulder instability can help an athlete return to their sport during season, without having to undergo surgery.
Check out how electrical stimulation is being used to help patients walk after a stroke.
Progressive Agility and Trunk Stabilization programs are effective at decreasing return to sport time and the rate of re-injury at 2 weeks and 1 year follow-up, when compared with traditional stretching and strengthening programs.
Improvements in postural instability in patient’s with Parkinson’s Disease
Jackie looks at a study focusing on non-pharmacological treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease symptoms.
Shoulder impingement is a very common and potentially debilitating injury occurring in individuals ranging from young athletes to the elderly. Jeremy looks at study on rehabilitation options.
Amy discusses whether a hippotherapy simulator (therapeutic simulated horseback riding) is effective therapy for children with Cerebral Palsy.
Jessica reviews study looking at variations of therapy for Osteoarthritis of the hip or knee.
Are manual therapy and exercise effective in treating patients with hip and knee OA?
Spasticity (stiffness) is common among patients with spinal cord injuries. This article reviews the effectiveness of body weight supported treadmill training versus tilt table standing to reduce spasticity.
An article review of a study investigating the impact of group aquatic training on gait efficiency in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.
A critical appraisal of an article investigating the applicability of High Intensity Exercise Training Programs (HIT) on patients in residential care facilities who have moderate-severe physical and cognitive impairments and who are dependent in at least one activity of daily living (ADL).
Is NDT-based therapy & task practice more beneficial in improving walking ability compared to task practice alone in patients post-stroke?
This is an article review of a study done in Germany. The study was a randomized controlled study comparing Nordic walking, LSVT BIG therapy, and a home exercise program for patients with Parkinson’s disease. This study provides great evidence for LSVT BIG therapy. However, there has been limited research done since this study.
A different approach to treating patients with shoulder pain.
At one point in time, I could not tell you what the most fatal and common adult motor neuron disease is. That is because I knew nothing about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS until just a few years ago.
Kat’s article review discusses Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis a progressive disease involving degeneration of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord and what muscle exercises can help patients.
The number one cause of disability and reason for absentee with industrialized workers is due to low back pain (USA). Hayley discusses possible interventions…
Pulsatile lavage is typically used in wounds to clean out)the wound to prevent further infection and allow the healing process to take place appropriately.
Elizabeth discusses treatment for low back pain in dancers, through an article review.
Long before beginning my studies as a physical therapy student, I was acutely aware of how much a problem back pain could be…
A quicker fix for acute ankle sprains
Children who underwent SDR as well as physiotherapy and regular follow-ups by an experienced team showed improved motor function for up to 10 years after surgery. This information is very useful when discussing treatment options for children with spastic diplegia.
Low back pain can be frustrating, debilitating, and just plain difficult to treat. Take a look at a research article that examines the effectiveness of manual therapy and active exercise for treatment of low back pain.
Does it really make a difference?
Jennifer takes a look at supported treadmill ambulation for patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Common injury, common treatment. But does it really help?
Take a look at what an enzymatic de-bridging agent has to offer!
How do you treat pelvic pain….
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