A network for students interested in evidence-based health care

Physiotherapy

Filter Articles:

No results found

Evidence Reviews
""

Natural history and prognosis for musculoskeletal rehabilitation students

Understanding the natural history and prognosis of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and injuries creates a great foundation when starting clinical rotations as a physical therapy student. In this blog, Chris shares his own evolving document which gathers various papers together in one centralized location to help him (and others) find the natural history and prognosis of most MSK conditions

News
""

Journal club: tips for setting up a student journal club

Chris set up a student journal club in his first year of Physical Therapy training. In this blog, he describes how he started the club, how it has changed and expanded throughout his studies, and provides tips and suggested papers to get you started.

Evidence Reviews
Depiction of lungs in green dots

Expiratory Muscle Training in Spinal Cord Injury

This blog critically appraises a randomized controlled trial looking at the effectiveness of expiratory muscle training on the pulmonary function of patients with high spinal cord injury.

Evidence Reviews
Grandpa playing with grandson

Stroke rehabilitation trials: let’s measure what matters

In this blog, Julie Duncan Millar, PhD Student and Physiotherapist, reflects on the difficulties of comparing and sharing upper limb rehabilitation trial data and proposes a condensed toolkit of measures recommended for researchers to use in future trials.

Evidence Reviews

Tailored vs. general exercise for low back pain

This blog is a critical appraisal of a randomised controlled trial comparing a tailored exercise programme with a general exercise programme for individuals with low back pain and movement control impairment.

Evidence Reviews

Additional task-related practice after stroke

This blog takes a critical look at whether including adding task-related exercises to standard rehabilation after a stroke can improve patients’ functioning and mobility.

Evidence Reviews

Early Ambulation versus Bed Rest for Patients with PE or DVT

Do patients who have experienced deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) have better outcomes when they receive bed rest OR when they get out of bed and engage in light activity (e.g. walking, standing or sitting) as soon as possible after treatment? (Also known as ‘early ambulation’)

Evidence Reviews

Clinical Feasibility of the Nintendo Wii for Balance Training Post-Stroke: a Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial in an Inpatient Setting – A Critical Appraisal

This blog looks at the importance of the use of video games or stimulation games for the use in physiotherapy treatment, in relation to aiding patients with proprioception post stroke. It analyses an article looking at balance training post stroke using the Wii Fit balance board and balance games. Reviewing the article and suggesting whether it is relevant or requires further studies or investigations.

Evidence Reviews

Critical appraisal of disability in patients with chronic patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS): A randomised control trial of VMO selective training versus general quadriceps strengthening

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a common condition that can be caused by multiple factors and can affect quality of life. Rehabilitation involves strengthening of the quadriceps but there is debate about if treatment should focus on being selective to the vastus medialis component of quadriceps. The following is a critical appraisal of a study which investigates if selective strengthening is more beneficial than general strengthening.

Evidence Reviews

Acute effects of single and multiple level thoracic manipulations on chronic mechanical neck pain: a critical appraisal

Mechanical neck pain is prevalent in the general population. Adjusting the spine (spinal manipulative therapy) is complex and controversial, largely based on the Chiropractic concept of a joint “subluxation”. This blog is a critical appraisal of a study examining the acute effects of a single and multiple level thoracic manipulation on chronic mechanical neck pain.

Evidence Reviews
baby walking

Effect of sensorimotor groups on gross motor acquisition for young children with Down Syndrome

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.

Evidence Reviews
nordic walking

Comparing exercise in Parkinson’s Disease: The Berlin LSVT BIG Study

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.

Want to blog for us?

Register to become an S4BE Contributor