A survey of over 500 US healthcare centers found that VA hospitals more frequently adopted recommendations for preventing central venous catheter infections, including maximal sterile barrier precautions and chlorhexidine gluconate use. This may be attributed to centralized purchasing and communication within the VA.
A study found that a generic drug called prazosin improves sleep quality and reduces trauma nightmares in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The drug, already used for high blood pressure and prostate problems, was shown to improve overall well-being and functioning.
A randomized study of 2,287 patients found that percutaneous coronary intervention plus optimal medical therapy did not improve outcomes compared to medical therapy alone. Lifestyle changes and medication management were effective in managing symptoms.
Researchers highlight the importance of understanding risk factors for heel ulcers, which are often linked to peripheral neuropathy and diminished vascular function. Additionally, studies demonstrate the effectiveness of lateral-wedge insoles in relieving pain and stiffness in people with knee osteoarthritis. The study also explores th...
The study examined clinical and cognitive predictors of swallowing recovery in stroke patients. Identification of specific neurocognitive deficits and clinical features was associated with poor swallowing outcomes.
The JRRD tipsheet focuses on the latest research and best practices for managing spinal cord injury, gait disorders, stroke recovery, and power mobility. Studies investigate functional electrical stimulation for controlling seated posture, terrain's impact on gait characteristics, and the effect of restricted spinal motion on gait.
This article discusses various aspects of multiple sclerosis (MS) management in veterans, including the use of medical informatics, healthcare information systems, and patient education. The study highlights the importance of effective care models, registry development, and provider education to improve outcomes for MS patients.
Researchers have made significant advancements in stroke treatment, improving functional use of arms and hands through robotics and neuromuscular stimulation. Additionally, a multidisciplinary program for Parkinson's disease patients has shown long-term improvements in motor function scores.
Researchers have made significant advancements in managing chronic pain in spinal cord injury patients. Studies show that specific pain patterns are stable over time, while others can be improved through treatment. Additionally, virtual reality systems have been shown to provide natural movement control and flexibility for balance trai...
Recent advances in middle-ear function evaluation provide rapid data on health, while prevention programs can reduce noise-induced hearing loss. New research also addresses the impact of aging on hearing, tinnitus management through progressive intervention approaches, and hair cell regeneration for restoring hearing.
This article discusses various rehabilitation techniques for individuals with disabilities, including a new method to monitor voluntary movement in people with spinal cord injuries and the benefits of smart wheelchairs. It also explores the impact of ground surfaces on wheelchair propulsion and the effectiveness of hybrid-diffractive l...
This study recommends wheelchair setup and propulsion techniques to reduce upper limb injuries, including using smooth strokes and a light-weight wheelchair. Rehabilitation also improves wheelchair propulsion ability, with greater gains in men, younger persons, and those with paraplegia.
Researchers investigated mental health outcomes after stroke and spinal cord injury, exploring the effects of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) and sensory evaluation tools. The study found that patients with depression struggled with low expectations of recovery and finding it difficult to accept losses.
This article discusses various low back pain relief strategies, including prosthetic fit and production, for individuals with amputations. It also explores the impact of head and body movement on gait in patients with inner ear balance organ abnormalities.
A new evaluation tool, DOCS, reliably predicts recovery from coma by tracking neurobehavioral functioning changes. This allows for improved medical and rehabilitation management.
Researchers found that a diet rich in docosahexenoic acid (DHA) significantly slowed Alzheimer's disease progression in mice by reducing harmful brain plaques. This study suggests that boosting DHA intake may delay or prevent the disease, even for those genetically predisposed.
A two-part study examines the effectiveness of neurobehavioral function assessments during coma and stroke rehabilitation for elderly individuals. The Disorders of Consciousness Scale reliably predicts recovery of consciousness, while tracking individual neurobehavioral recovery patterns improves medical and rehabilitation management.
New classification system improves elastomeric liner prescription, while telerehabilitation and pressure casting streamline wound management. Studies also explore shoe choice impact on residual limb damage and develop novel knee prosthesis for increased stability.
A new test for tinnitus evaluates loudness and pitch using an automated procedure. Veterans are found to be more independent in daily activities and less physically disabled than their peers residing in community nursing homes, suggesting the impact of extensive rehabilitation services available to veterans.
VA patients outperformed non-VA patients in delivering recommended care for acute, chronic, and preventive conditions, with significant differences found in areas with established performance measures and electronic medical records.
Researchers found that schizophrenic patients lacked gamma band response, indicating defective communication between neurons, while healthy brains showed synchronized activity at 40 hertz. The study suggests that drugs promoting a normal gamma response may help alleviate schizophrenia symptoms.
Regular exercise improves physical and psychological well-being among people with spinal cord injuries, as well as older adults and nursing home residents. Exercise also promotes stability and ease of movement for lower-limb amputees, while correcting visual impairments can improve rehabilitation effectiveness.
A recent VA study found that rural veterans have lower physical and mental health scores compared to urban veterans. The disparity persists even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors, suggesting access to care may be a key factor. The study's findings support the need for expanded healthcare delivery systems in rural areas.
Researchers explore how prosthetic legs can be tailored to improve mobility and comfort for amputees. Studies examine the impact of different shoes, sock liners, and physical activities on residual limb soft tissue damage and overall health outcomes.
Studies investigate shoulder pain, seat position impact, ACSM target heart rate guidelines, wheel camber effects, Smart Wheelchair Component System, portable ramps, self-efficacy in amputations, and neuroprosthesis technology for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Researchers investigate auditory brainstem responses for early detection of ototoxic hearing loss, as well as sensory rehabilitation methods such as obstacle avoidance training, blind rehabilitation, and constraint-induced therapy. These studies aim to minimize or prevent debilitating hearing loss and improve mobility function in indiv...
Researchers found that GBV-C infection slows HIV growth and increases survival in HIV patients. The harmless virus boosts immune proteins, which prevent HIV from infecting cells.
Researchers found that histamine cell activity continues during cataplexy, while norepinephrine and serotonin cell activity ceases, leading to loss of muscle tone. The study sheds light on the biological causes of narcolepsy and may aid in developing drugs to induce sleep and increase alertness.
New prosthetic fitting system offers improved match for knee arthritis patients, while researchers find nearly 80% of patients satisfied with brace treatment. Meanwhile, studies on traumatic brain injury research reveal legal and ethical concerns, as well as effective wound healing methods using electrical stimulation.
A recent study analyzing over 1,700 surgeries found that open surgery was more effective than laparoscopic repairs for treating groin hernias. The study also revealed that surgeons' experience with the procedure played a significant role in its success.
Studies investigate relationships between energy expenditure, lean muscle mass, and upper-body strength in persons with SCI. Researchers also explore potential treatments for bowel movement issues, respiratory problems, and pain management.
Researchers used fMRI to map changes in brain activity after volunteers received a placebo, showing the prefrontal cortex is activated in response to pain relief. The study provides new insights into the brain's pain pathways and may lead to new therapies for chronic or acute pain.
Researchers found that a peptide called LL-37 selectively kills the vaccinia virus in the smallpox vaccine, which could enable thousands of civilians or military personnel with atopic dermatitis to receive the vaccine. This breakthrough may lead to safer testing and better predict and control reactions to the vaccine.
Linezolid has been shown to be effective in treating diabetic foot infections with a clinical cure rate of 81%. The drug can be given orally or intravenously, making it suitable for outpatient use. This approval may reduce hospitalizations and IV-related complications among patients with diabetic foot infections.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation significantly improves tissue health and enhances the wellbeing and independence of veterans with spinal cord injuries. Additionally, orthoses selection can improve clinical outcomes following cervical injury, while a home exercise program can improve upper-body endurance in wheelchair users.
The study found that men who consumed high amounts of vitamin D, cereal fiber, and took non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were less likely to have serious colon polyps or tumors. Smoking was significantly associated with a higher risk of having a tumor or benign polyps.
A randomized, double-blinded study found no differences between olanzapine and haloperidol in reducing schizophrenia symptoms or improving quality of life. Olanzapine was associated with higher costs due to its high price tag, despite slightly better cognitive status and less restlessness.
Researchers studied 342,300 chronically ill veterans to track health care and survival between 1994-1998. Patient survival rates remained largely unchanged, while hospital stays fell by 50% and outpatient care increased moderately.
A study found that nearly 40% of lung cancer patients believe exposure to air during surgery promotes cancer spread, leading some to reject recommended surgery. The study suggests that physicians need to address these misconceptions to improve healthcare outcomes in African Americans, who are disproportionately affected by lung cancer.
Researchers investigated chronic pain management through surveys, questionnaires, and studies. The results highlighted the importance of pain treatment outcomes, associations with health-risk behaviors, and post-traumatic stress disorder relationships. Additionally, a new exercise program improved arm and hand recovery after stroke.
Researchers developed a speech-in-multitalker-babble test instrument to examine the effects of hearing loss on self-perceived quality of life. The test improved word recognition performance with repeated exposure to sentence materials, and showed that wheelchair riders face no increased risk of injury in large city buses.
This article explores the use of computer technology to improve rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and hearing losses. Studies demonstrate the effectiveness of neuroprosthetics, equinometers, brain-computer interfaces, telemedicine, and computer head controls in enhancing health, redu...
In a six-month clinical trial, participants on a low-carbohydrate diet lost an average of 13 pounds and reduced triglyceride levels by 20%, compared to 4 pounds and 4% for the low-fat group. Insulin sensitivity improved in non-diabetic participants and blood sugar levels decreased in diabetic patients on the low-carbohydrate diet.
A study of over 300 HIV patients found that 32% reported better life after diagnosis, with fewer worries about finances or disclosure. Patients who said life was better expressed more optimism and participated in non-organized religious activities.
Researchers have developed new diagnostic tools to assess injury risk in wheelchair users, measure hand movement, and improve tinnitus rehabilitation. A computerized glove and instrumented globe system enhance hand-function assessment and shoulder rehabilitation, while shock-absorbing prostheses promote active lifestyles for amputees.
The study found that vaccinated elderly patients were 48% less likely to die during the 1998-99 season and 50% less likely to die during the 1999-2000 season. Additionally, vaccinated patients were less likely to develop pneumonia, cardiac disease, and stroke, confirming previous VA research on flu shots' life-saving benefits.
A study found that 75% of men aged 50 and older reported undergoing PSA testing, compared to 63% for colorectal cancer screening. The mismatch between screening rates highlights the need for better patient education on effective cancer tests.
Researchers found that HIV patients develop strong antibody responses against the virus, but these antibodies fail to keep pace with the virus's constant mutation process. This study sheds light on the complex dynamics between the immune system and HIV, highlighting potential avenues for vaccine development.
A recent study analyzed data from the Veterans Affairs HIV patient population between 1993 and 2001 and found a sharp decline in overall death rates among patients. Despite concerns about vascular disease as a side effect of HAART, the study suggests that these drugs may not increase the risk of this condition.
Researchers analyzed VA records of 4,340 patients who received heart attack care between 1994-1995. Patients with mental illness had a slightly lower rate of diagnostic angiography, but no significant difference in survival rates for 90 days after the heart attack.