Articles tagged with Physical Therapy
The American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT) will move to the Sage Journals digital platform, strengthening reader experience and expanding visibility of occupational therapy scholarship. AJOT's mission remains unchanged, publishing peer-reviewed research supporting practitioners, educators, students, and researchers.
A study from the University of Gothenburg found that patients with chronic pain do not have equal access to specialized rehabilitation programs. Sociodemographic factors such as education, age, sex, and region of birth play a significant role in determining participation rates. The study suggests that addressing these disparities is cr...
Amelie G. Ramirez is studying the impact of therapeutic yoga on health-related quality of life, fatigue and physical function in Hispanic breast cancer survivors. She aims to find culturally responsive ways to support recovery through a comparison of standard physical therapy and therapeutic yoga.
Researchers use ENABLE, a markerless motion capture technology, to estimate metabolic cost for movement efficiency improvement in healthcare and rehabilitation. The team validates the system by comparing model outputs with experimental measurements.
A novel rehabilitation system connects therapists and patients through robotic exoskeletons, enabling real-time adaptation and personalized care. Stroke survivors who used the system demonstrated improved joint range of motion, longer and higher steps, and high levels of motivation.
The journal is seeking articles that explore the transformative power of digital tools to improve safety and health outcomes in occupational settings. Submissions focus on applying mHealth, wearable sensors, and real-time analytics to monitor physical hazards and reduce ergonomic strain.
A new study by the University of Southampton has found that reusable catheters are just as safe for patients as single-use ones and do not increase the risk of urinary tract infections. The study followed hundreds of patients for a year and discovered that those who tested reusable catheters used 35 per cent fewer antibiotics.
A study published in JMIR Aging predicts early mobility decline in healthy adults aged 45 using a set of home-based measurements and AI. The researchers identified six essential factors, including age, muscle power, and diet, that accurately predict future mobility struggles.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham found that advanced footwear technology improves running performance in elite distance runners, but also causes subtle changes in running mechanics linked to bone stress injuries. Rotating shoes and gradually adapting to AFT may help reduce potential injury risk while optimizing performance.
High-intensity interval training shows strongest vascular benefits in cardiovascular patients. HIIE consistently improves flow-mediated dilation and vasodilation, with combined high-intensity programs showing the largest estimated effects on endothelial function.
A large study found that individuals with difficulty recognizing and expressing emotions experience greater disruption to daily life from pain over time due to increased psychological distress. The study also suggests that addressing emotional processing difficulties may be key to improving long-term outcomes for people with chronic pain.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new method for measuring breathing movements in patients with impaired lung function using radio frequency technology. The technique involves placing small tags on the chest wall, which can detect even slight differences in breathing movements and provide a detailed pict...
The UT San Antonio School of Health Professions' Doctor of Physical Therapy program has climbed national rankings due to its five-decade commitment to excellence. The program's curriculum includes clinical affiliations, interprofessional collaborative care, and a selective rotation tailored to student interests.
A new study led by University of Iowa Health Care researchers found that TENS reduced movement-evoked pain and fatigue in patients with fibromyalgia, with effects lasting for at least six months. The treatment was also shown to be safe, effective, inexpensive, and readily available.
A UTEP study reveals that six weeks of boxing training can reduce blood pressure and improve vascular function in young adults with elevated blood pressure or Stage 1 hypertension. The results show significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, comparable to those achieved through medication.
A new Australian study shows that a tailored, home-based program can significantly reduce the number of falls after stroke. The 'falls after stroke trial' (FAST) found that the program reduced falls by 33% over 12 months.
A new platform, Build Better Bones, offers evidence-based guidance and practical resources for osteoporosis management. The platform, developed by the International Osteoporosis Foundation, provides a trusted place for people with osteoporosis to start their journey, with a focus on exercise, nutrition, and home safety.
A mixed-methods cohort study found daily living impairment is linked to slower recovery in older adults post-surgery. Targeted interventions, such as preoperative education and caregiver support, can optimize recovery experiences for both patients and caregivers.
A new study by Yale researchers found substantial variation in physical therapy costs across the US, with median rates ranging from $151 to $215. The study highlights the impact of insurance and location on PT costs, which can influence patient engagement and downstream health outcomes.
The new program will offer a two-year accelerated hybrid curriculum model with synchronous and asynchronous online coursework, followed by immersive clinical skills labs. The program aims to address the growing demand for highly trained physical therapists in the Southeast region.
A new randomized clinical trial found that training the less-impaired arm significantly improved movement coordination, speed and control in chronic stroke survivors. The study showed that motor skills in the less-affected arm can be improved even years after a stroke occurs.
Research highlights arthritis' toll on the workforce, with nearly 10 million Americans aged 18-64 experiencing limitations. Overall health and socioeconomic factors are significant contributors to work-related challenges.
The new program combines limb preservation, amputation care, and reconstructive solutions like osseointegration to improve identity, functional outcome, and quality of life for patients. Patients will receive coordinated, personalized, and expert care that supports their recovery and promotes sustained overall health.
A new machine learning model developed at the University of Michigan uses data from wearable sensors to predict how physical therapists would assess balance training performance. The model was trained with sensor data combined with analysis from physical therapists and predicted patients' balance ratings with nearly 90% accuracy.
The DEFEND study aims to assess whether virtual exercise sessions can be successfully delivered to patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. Researchers will evaluate the impact on physical function, fatigue, and disability.
A new study led by Mass General Brigham researchers found that a home exercise program combined with standard or sham physical therapy improved knee pain for participants with osteoarthritis and meniscal tears. The addition of regular visits with a physical therapist resulted in slightly greater pain relief, suggesting the importance o...
Research on 1,000 older Japanese adults found that declining hand function significantly increases the risk of requiring long-term care. Hand function below a certain threshold was associated with an increased risk, highlighting its importance for daily activities and overall health.
Chronic back pain is associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease, arthritis, depression, and other conditions. A study found that people with back pain are more likely to report severe activity limitations due to comorbidities.
A new review emphasizes the importance of both physical activity and reduced sedentary time for optimal skeletal health. Emerging evidence reveals that prolonged sitting and inactivity can harm bone health, even among regular exercisers.
A new study from UTS highlights the emotional and mental toll on teachers managing student pain in classrooms, finding educators often feel helpless, emotionally drained, and unsupported. The research identifies three key areas where pain science education can create meaningful change for both teachers and students.
Silvia Blemker, a renowned biomedical engineer, has been elected to lead the American Society of Biomechanics. She aims to bolster industry ties, expand funding for students and early-career researchers, and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.
A three-year follow-up study of a personalized program of cognitive functional therapy (CFT) found clinically significant improvements in pain-related activity and pain intensity compared to usual care. The treatment produced large benefits that were sustained over time, offering potential for major human and economic impact.
Researchers explore the biological mechanisms of myopenia in RA, finding it affects individuals of all ages, with notable muscle mass loss without concurrent fat loss. The review highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic relevance of myopenia in RA, emphasizing the importance of early detection and tailored management strategies.
A Danish study of 5,205 runners reveals that injury risk increases exponentially with distance increase in a single training session. The study challenges the current algorithm used by sports watches to prevent running injuries, which is based on thin scientific grounds.
A meta-analysis of over 10,000 patients found that knee braces, hydrotherapy, and exercise are the most effective non-drug therapies for reducing pain and improving mobility in knee osteoarthritis. These treatments offer a safer alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs with fewer gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks.
A large randomized clinical trial found that testosterone gel did not improve long-distance mobility outcomes for older women after a hip fracture. Supervised exercise, however, showed significant functional improvements and enhanced mobility.
The journal is seeking submissions to a new theme issue exploring the importance of telerehabilitation and future directions for the field. Researchers will focus on implementation challenges, health equity concerns, and emerging innovations like AI-driven personalized rehabilitation.
The Kosair for Kids Center for Pediatric NeuroRecovery is expanding its facilities to increase treatment capacity by 50%, allowing up to 24 children per day to receive life-changing therapies. The new 12,500-square-foot space will also enhance research collaboration and improve patient care.
A new study from the University of California - San Francisco suggests that telehealth can be an effective treatment option for women experiencing urinary incontinence after giving birth. The research found significant improvements in symptoms, regardless of whether women received physical therapy in-person or via telehealth.
Laurie Manjikian has been promoted to lead home- and community-based services with deep expertise. She successfully expanded the rehabilitation department and implemented management systems to achieve industry standards in productivity and clinical outcomes.
Adapted Argentine tango dance therapy is helping some breast cancer survivors regain natural balance and sensation after experiencing neuropathy, a common side effect of chemotherapy treatment. The therapy aims to rewire the brain to improve function after chemotherapy-related nerve changes.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy identified five risk factors for athletes developing shoulder pain, including range of motion, strength, and training load. The research also examined treatment options for frozen shoulder, an inflammatory condition that causes unrelenting stiffness and pain.
A study found that pedometers capture a remarkable 88% of the health information provided by more advanced accelerometer measurements. Walking at a brisk pace is essential for cardiovascular health optimization, with a minimum cadence of 80 steps per minute strongly associated with good aerobic fitness.
Patients prescribed medicinal cannabis in Australia showed long-term improvements in overall health-related quality of life, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. The study, which recruited over 2,300 participants, also found improvements in anxiety, depression, insomnia, and pain for those with corresponding conditions.
A remote booster program after cardiac rehabilitation significantly reduces daily sitting time and increases light physical activity, lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Participants who received coaching via phone and digital communication showed a clear improvement in sedentary behavior and increased physical activity.
A new study reveals that integrating smoking cessation support into NHS Talking Therapies for depression and anxiety significantly increases quit rates. Patients are more than twice as likely to quit smoking when receiving combined support, improving both physical and mental health outcomes.
A new study suggests that hospital rehabilitation for older adults might only be the beginning of a longer journey. While therapy is crucial in mitigating functional decline, only a small minority of patients receiving intensive therapy (14+ hours/week) had a greater likelihood of home discharge.
Researchers at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid developed video games 'Peter Jumper' and 'Andromeda' to promote hand and wrist rehabilitation. The system also measures grip strength and stores patient data for analysis, showing encouraging results in improving range of motion and grip strength up to 100%.
A change in child concussion management policies led to improvements in recovery time. The Montreal Children's Hospital clinic began physiotherapy-based treatments two weeks after injury, resulting in faster recoveries. The study suggests that institutional policy plays a crucial role in guiding treatment approaches.
Researchers created optimized DNA hydrogels with fewer nucleic acids, achieving efficient and sustained drug release. The new hydrogel units showed prolonged persistence of at least 168 hours post-administration in mice, contributing to anti-tumor effects.
Researchers examine how stroke patients develop post-stroke sensory reweighting (PSR) to improve walking and balance. PSR is a critical factor in determining patient outcomes, with those who develop it experiencing better balance and reduced risk of falls.
A new drug-free intervention targets the root cause of progressive loss of neural function in SMA by gradually reawakening functionally silent motor neurons. Early results show improved leg muscle strength and walking in adults with SMA, regardless of symptom severity.
Researchers highlight the importance of physical therapy in treating rotator-cuff tears, with over 80% of patients reporting reduced pain and improved function after 6 months to a year. Psychological distress is also associated with shoulder pain and reduced function in patients with rotator-cuff tears.
The collaboration aims to create new opportunities for aspiring physical therapists, offering scholarships and accelerated programs. It will also advance residency and fellowship training through admission pathways and co-develop a primary care physical therapy fellowship.
A new study finds that adding higher-intensity walking to standard physical therapy significantly improves mobility and quality of life in stroke survivors. The protocol, which aims for 2,000 steps with moderate intensity, was successfully integrated into standard-of-care practice in stroke units.
Researchers found that adding audio to a moving subway scene increased balance challenges for people with vestibular problems. The study, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that sounds can be a disruptive factor for those with vestibular hypofunction, a condition resulting in impaired balance.
University Hospitals is introducing a new type of surgery that utilizes an endoscope to remove herniated parts of the disc through a small incision. This minimizes blood loss, post-op pain, and recovery time compared to traditional techniques.
Researchers developed biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles that selectively target cancer cells with two approved drug pairs for skin and breast cancers. The treatment showed significantly enhanced therapeutic effects, reduced tumor size, and prolonged median survival in mice.
A new study from Oregon Health & Science University found that people who receive physical therapy earlier after a concussion tend to have better balance control and reduced reaction times. This can lead to improved outcomes and reduced risk of re-injury. Early intervention may enable the brain to return to a more normal state, compens...
Researchers at Waseda University found that somatosensory electrical stimulation on the wrist can bias subsequent motor decisions, increasing the likelihood of using the stimulated hand. This phenomenon highlights a connection between sensory input and motor choices, with potential implications for individuals with motor impairments.