Patients who received telerehabilitation had similar outcomes to those receiving in-person physical therapy following total knee replacement surgery. Telerehabilitation was found to be effective for patients with travel limitations or rural/underserved areas, offering the same quality services in their home environment.
Researchers compared bone-tendon-bone and hamstring autografts for ACL reconstruction, finding similar healing rates at 6 weeks and 1 year. This challenges the common assumption that BTB grafts heal faster than hamstring autografts.
The study found a significant decline in smoking rates among nursing and physiotherapy students in Spain from 2003 to 2013. Many students remained unaware of the link between smoking and diseases, indicating a deficiency in undergraduate training.
A University of Florida Health study found that extensive physical therapy helped severely impaired stroke survivors recover motor function, even a year or more after their stroke. The research, which included five hours of rehabilitation per day for 12 weeks, showed significant improvement in arm movements and complex tasks.
Researchers found that combining mental practice with physical therapy significantly improves sensation and motor function scores in stroke survivors. The treatment helps regain motor behaviors by recruiting new neurons and compensating for damaged brain cells.
A study published in BMC Health Services Research found that early physical therapy following an initial episode of acute low back pain resulted in lower healthcare costs and reduced use of resources. Patients who received physical therapy within 14 days had significantly lower costs for advanced imaging, injections, surgery, and opioids.
A two-year study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that physical therapy and surgery produce similar results for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, particularly those over 50. The study suggested that patients don't exhaust all non-surgical options before opting for surgery.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that phone counseling can significantly boost recovery and reduce pain in patients after spinal surgery. The intervention involved short series of phone conversations with trained counselors, leading to higher physical therapy attendance rates and improved functional outcomes.
A study of 24 patients found that non-surgical therapy allowed more patients to return to active duty without limitations. Those who underwent delayed surgery after a trial of physical therapy had a full recovery and returned to full activity.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found that patients who go home after knee replacement and receive physical therapy at home do just as well as those discharged to an in-patient rehabilitation facility. Two-year outcomes in terms of pain, function, and improvement were similar between the two groups.
A five-year clinical trial will examine two treatments for acute low back pain, aiming to prevent chronic conditions. BMC researchers will recruit 2,640 patients to test the efficacy of early physical therapy with cognitive behavioral coaching.
The University of Pittsburgh is leading a $14 million clinical trial comparing two approaches to treat acute lower back pain, one with usual care and the other with cognitive behavioral therapy. The study aims to reduce chronic lower back pain and its effects on daily life.
The Center on Health Services Training and Research (CoHSTAR) will focus on three areas of research: rehabilitation outcomes measurement, implementation science and quality assurance, and analysis of large datasets. The center aims to build the evidence base for physical therapy care and improve delivery.
A £250,000 award will support a three-year study on the feasibility and effectiveness of resistance training for youngsters with cerebral palsy. The study, led by physiotherapists at Brunel University London, aims to recruit 60 young people between 12 and 19 years old.
A new study found that reducing fear avoidance beliefs is crucial for improving symptoms and reducing disability in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. The analysis of PACE trial data revealed that graded exercise therapy (GET) was more effective than cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) in reducing fear avoidance beliefs.
Researchers found a strong connection between the pelvic floor muscles and the glutes in the brain, highlighting the interconnected nature of the body. This discovery may help identify the causes of chronic pelvic floor pain and improve treatments for incontinence.
A new study found that prehabilitation physical therapy before joint replacement surgery can significantly reduce the need for postoperative care. The research revealed a 29% reduction in postoperative care use among patients who received preoperative physical therapy, resulting in an adjusted cost savings of $1,215 per patient.
Caregivers of Boston Marathon bombing victims struggled with guilt, anxiety, and isolation in the aftermath. Eight confidential Schwartz Center Rounds sessions helped them process emotions and cope with trauma.
Carole B. Lewis is recognized for her extensive work in rehabilitation, education, and advocacy efforts related to the physical rehabilitation of older adults. She has lectured globally on geriatric neurology, orthopedics, and rehabilitation.
A new study by Aarhus University reveals that one in three young people experience knee pain between the ages of 12 and 19. The pain often persists even after two years, with 55% of adolescents with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome still suffering from knee pain after two years.
Timothy N. Taft, M.D. is being inducted into the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine's (AOSSM) Hall of Fame for his significant contributions to sports medicine education and research. He has served as a long-time professor at UNC and team physician for numerous international teams.
A recent study published in JAMA found that physiotherapy for adults with painful hip osteoarthritis does not produce greater improvements in pain or function compared to a placebo treatment. The study suggests questioning the benefits of specific physiotherapy components for this patient population.
A study published in JAMA Network found that physical therapy did not significantly improve pain or function in adults with hip osteoarthritis. However, the treatment group reported more adverse events, which were relatively mild.
A new study published in The Lancet found that expensive, intense physiotherapy sessions do not provide additional benefits over a single session of education and advice with phone follow-up. The study supports previous claims that longer physiotherapy programmes offer minimal added benefit for acute whiplash-associated disorders.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a computerized treadmill program to prevent falls in older adults. Studies show that people can be trained not to fall, with adaptations retained for up to 12 months. The training is safe even for those with reduced bone density or osteoporosis.
A multidisciplinary team approach led to improved outcomes and quicker patient recoveries after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. The report identifies essential lessons learned, including broad collaboration, senior-level commitment, and effective communication.
A home-based exercise program improved functional mobility and balance in patients who completed standard rehabilitation after a hip fracture. The study suggests that such programs could be an effective way to continue exercising at home after traditional physical therapy.
A Mayo Clinic study found that nearly all patients with intact rotator cuffs experience improved function and pain relief after shoulder replacement surgery. The procedure improves range of motion and reduces pain in nearly all cases, especially for those with rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers developed a web-based tool using machine learning to analyze injury records from Alberta's workers' compensation database. The tool recommends an appropriate course of rehabilitation, outperforming clinicians in early testing.
A multidisciplinary team at UT Arlington is developing a smart rehabilitation system that can adapt and personalize therapy programs based on a patient's needs. The iRehab system uses multisensory data to produce the best possible rehabilitation program guidelines for patients, improving treatment effectiveness.
A study analyzing national trends from 1999 to 2010 found that the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications or acetaminophen decreased, while narcotic use increased, despite adherence to clinical guidelines.
A case study reported by Jeong Pyo Seo et al. in Neural Regeneration Research (2013) highlights the importance of investigating delayed gait recovery in stroke patients who cannot walk within 3-6 months after onset. The patient, a 32-year-old female, showed improved gait function despite severe spasticity and sensory-motor dysfunction.
A study published in New England Journal of Medicine shows that physical therapy is just as effective as surgery for patients with meniscal tears and arthritis of the knee. The study found no significant differences in functional improvement between patients who underwent surgery with postoperative physical therapy and those who receiv...
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that physical therapy improves functional status, pain, and physical function in patients with meniscal tears and osteoarthritis. For a third of patients assigned to physical therapy, surgery was still necessary.
Researchers at UT Arlington are developing individualized rehabilitation software systems that use remote monitoring of people with rheumatoid arthritis to increase compliance and proper physical therapy. The system collects physiological and cognitive data while engaging patients in interactive game-like structured activities.
A study published in JAMA found that corticosteroid injections did not provide significant long-term improvement for patients with 'tennis elbow', and neither option was effective compared to placebo. However, physiotherapy provided some short-term benefits despite no long-term effects.
A new study suggests that telephone physiotherapy can reduce waiting times for patients and provide equally effective treatment results. Researchers compared PhysioDirect with usual care in a randomised controlled trial involving 2,256 patients with musculoskeletal problems.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that intensive therapy is no more effective than traditional care in speeding up recovery from whiplash. While physiotherapy interventions showed modest benefits, they were not cost-effective from a UK NHS perspective.
A Swedish study of 112 adolescent girls found that regular dance training significantly improved self-esteem and reduced symptoms of depression and fatigue. The results persisted at follow-ups four and eight months after the dance training ended.
A literature review published in Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that physical therapy begun shortly after ACL surgery can bring about very good outcomes for patients. However, bracing did not seem to improve results. Strength, range-of-motion, and functionality exercises are recommended as a key part of rehabilitation.
A home delivery of stroke rehabilitation program has resulted in improved cognition, communication, and physical function for people with stroke. The program has virtually eliminated waiting lists and saved approximately $1 million annually.
A study presented at the Canadian Stroke Congress reveals that rehabilitation robots can detect post-stroke impairments more accurately than traditional methods. The robots improve detection of limb position, speed, and movement direction, enabling personalized therapy and treatment plans to remap the brain and restore function.
Barefoot running, popularized by Abebe Bikila, is not inherently good or bad; proper training and conditioning are key. However, research suggests that it can increase stress fractures and soreness in the calves, while also risking knee and hip injuries similar to those caused by athletic shoes.
A study found that early physical therapist treatment for low back pain was associated with reduced risk of subsequent healthcare utilization and lower overall healthcare costs. Patients who received early care from a physical therapist had lower rates of surgery, injections, and opioid use, as well as reduced medical costs.
Researchers found that a multidisciplinary approach combining cognitive behaviour therapy with sound-based tinnitus retraining therapy significantly improves quality of life and reduces symptoms in adults with tinnitus. The study recruited 492 adults and showed that the new treatment programme is beneficial for both mild and severe cases.
Researchers found that children with mild CP can attain moderate levels of physical activity during video game play with full-body movements. The games encouraged repetitive movement and provided feedback through on-screen avatars and scores, promoting neuroplasticity and enjoyment.
A study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that combining CAM therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage with conventional care significantly improves outcomes for patients with lower back pain. This integrated approach shows promise as a multidisciplinary team-based model of care.
The Prospective Surveillance Model is a novel approach to managing pathological conditions resulting from cancer treatment by promoting early identification and treatment of known side effects. The goal of the model is to identify impairment at the earliest onset, alleviate impairment, or prevent it from progressing.
A structured exercise regimen reduced physical therapy visits by 40% in workers' compensation patients after arthroscopic meniscectomy. The study supports the implementation of independent exercise protocols to reduce therapy costs without compromising patient outcomes.
A prospective surveillance model for breast cancer treatment has been shown to significantly reduce costs and improve outcomes. The model, which involves early identification and intervention of lymphedema-related impairment, has been associated with direct treatment costs of $636.19 per year compared to traditional care at $3,124.92.
A new study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that aquatic therapy beginning 6 days after TKA significantly improved results. In contrast, delaying its onset after THA may be more appropriate. Aquatic therapy has been shown to reduce effusion in the knee joint, leading to less pain.
A new study found that most practitioners believe work factors can cause or exacerbate LBP, and recommend a 'short break from work' to allow healing. Despite guidelines encouraging maintaining people at work during episodes of back pain, many clinicians hold contradictory beliefs that influence their clinical decisions.
A special issue of NeuroRehabilitation highlights the latest clinical advances in vestibular rehabilitation, a proven treatment for balance disorders associated with neurological disease or trauma. The integration of multiple disciplines and specialized training has improved patient outcomes.
Patients with herniated lumbar disc symptoms who waited over six months to undergo treatment had poorer outcomes compared to those who treated their symptoms within six months. Surgical treatment, in particular, was found to be significantly more effective than nonoperative treatment, regardless of symptom duration.
A new study found that patients who visited physical therapists directly had fewer visits and lower overall costs, while maintaining continuity of care. The study analyzed 62,707 episodes of physical therapy and suggested eliminating physician referral requirements for physical therapist services.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that interactive video games safely enhance physical therapy for ICU patients, boosting their interest in therapy and motivation to do more. The study suggests that video game therapy activities can improve muscle weakness and balance in critically ill adults.
Chronic pain affects an estimated 500,000 Canadians aged 12-44 and 38% of seniors living at home, highlighting the need for better care strategies. Experts recommend a broad approach to increase pain management expertise through education, technology, and supported self-care.
A new type of therapy has shown promise in reducing symptoms of pain, weakness, and fatigue in people with functional or psychogenic symptoms. The study, which included a self-help workbook and guided sessions, found that participants who received the extra therapy were more likely to report improvements in their overall health.
A pilot study at Indiana University found that yoga significantly improved balance items and confidence in veterans with stroke. The participants showed a 17% improvement in balance and a 34% increase in confidence after eight weeks of group yoga classes.
The study, which compared two types of physical therapy, found that patients who received at-home strength and balance training made significant improvements in walking speed and mobility, with results lasting up to one year. The findings suggest that conventional wisdom about recovery being limited to six months may be incorrect.