Shoulder muscle activation during aquatic and dry land exercises in nonimpaired subjects

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized, single blind experimental design using electromyography to measure shoulder muscle activation in nonimpaired subjects.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the muscle activation of rotator cuff and shoulder synergists during rehabilitation exercises performed in water or on dry land.

BACKGROUND

Early motion is critical to restoration of normal shoulder function. Aquatic therapy has been promoted as a method for increasing range of motion while minimizing stress on the shoulder.

METHODS AND MEASURES

The integrated electromyography amplitude of 6 muscles of the shoulder girdle was examined on the nondominant shoulders of 6 subjects (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and subscapularis, anterior, middle, and posterior deltoids). Each subject performed elevation (0 degree to 90 degrees) in the scapular plane with neutral rotation on land and in water at 3 different speeds of elevation (30 degrees/s, 45 degrees/s, and 90 degrees/s). The mean percentage of the maximal voluntary contraction was determined for each of the 3 test speeds on land and in water. Comparisons between water and dry land were made with a repeated measures analysis of variance.

RESULTS

For all 6 muscles tested, muscle activation during the 30 degrees/s test speed and all muscles tested at the 45 degrees/s test speed was significantly less when performed in water versus when performed on land. For example, electromyography activation of the supraspinatus muscle was 16.68% of a maximal voluntary contraction when elevation at was performed at 30 degrees/s on dry land versus 3.93% when performed in water.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that shoulder elevation in the water at slower speeds resulted in a significantly lower activation of the rotator cuff and synergistic muscles. This decreased muscle activation during aquatic physical therapy allows for earlier active motion in the postoperative period without compromising patient safety.

The effects of a repeated bout of eccentric exercise on indices of muscle damage and delayed onset muscle soreness

This study examined markers of muscle damage following a repeated bout of maximal isokinetic eccentric exercise performed prior to full recovery from a previous bout. Twenty non-resistance trained volunteers were randomly assigned to a control (CON, n=10) or experimental (EXP, n=10) group. Both groups performed 36 maximal isokinetic eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors of the non-dominant arm (ECC1). The EXP group repeated the same eccentric exercise bout two days later (ECC2). Total work and peak eccentric torque were recorded during each set of ECC1 and ECC2. Isometric torque, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), flexed elbow angle and plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity were measured prior to and immediately following ECC1 and ECC2. at 24h intervals for 7 days following ECC1 and finally on day 11. In both groups, all dependent variables changed significantly during the 2 days following ECC1. A further acute post-exercise impairment in isometric torque (30 +/- 5%) and flexed elbow angle (20 +/- 4%) was observed following ECC2 (p<0.05), despite EXP subjects producing uniformly lower work and peak eccentric torque values during ECC2 (p<0.05). No other significant differences between the CON and EXP groups were observed throughout the study (p>0.05). These findings suggest that when maximal isokinetic eccentric exercise is repeated two days after experiencing of contraction-induced muscle damage, the recovery time course is not significantly altered.

[The methodological approaches to organizing the rehabilitation of servicemen with amputation defects of the extremities]

10-year experience in prosthetics of extremity stumps in conditions of the Central Military Clinical Hospital N 6 was analyzed. In the hospital during the period from 1989 to 1999 prosthetic appliance was made in 203 patients with amputating defects of extremities, 37 of them with pair stumps and 1 with lack of segments of all extremities. Most patients (80.5%) had stumps at the level of femur and crus. Basing on the analysis of modern scientific literature and experience gained in hospital the authors have formulated organizational and methodical states. Thanks to observance of the stated principles it was possible to optimize considerably the process of medico-psychological and social rehabilitation, to achieve good functional results in all patients treated in the hospital. Adequate use of experience in other military medical and prophylactic institutions will contribute to significant decrease in periods of return of servicemen to social useful labour and increase in efficiency of rehabilitation measures.

Mangling upper limb injuries in industry

The salvage of upper limbs mangled by industrial machinery became possible with the development of predictable techniques of vascular and microvascular anastamosis. Unfortunately, many of these salvaged limbs are associated with fair and poor functional outcomes. The quality of the skeletal fixation can have a substantial effect on the functional outcome and should be a major focus of the limb repair process. Internal plate fixation facilitates wound care and limb mobilization without tethering muscle-tendon units and is safe in the majority of severe upper limb injuries provided that all devitalized tissue is debrided and, if necessary, reconstructed using microvascular tissue transfers. Injury patterns, especially those which involve associated injury of the elbow or forearm ligaments, must be identified and treated appropriately. Internal fixation should restore anatomical alignment and provide sufficient stability to allow immediate active mobilization of the limb without contributing to devascularization of the soft tissues or skeleton.

Musculoskeletal rehabilitation and sports medicine. 2. Shoulder and upper extremity injuries

This self-directed learning module discusses classic concepts and highlights new advances in the diagnosis and management of shoulder and upper extremity injuries commonly occurring from athletic competition. It is part of the chapter on musculoskeletal rehabilitation and sports medicine in the Self-Directed Physiatric Education Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Distal biceps tendon injuries: diagnosis and management

Rupture of the distal biceps tendon occurs most commonly in the dominant extremity of men between 40 and 60 years of age when an unexpected extension force is applied to the flexed arm. Although previously thought to be an uncommon injury, distal biceps tendon ruptures are being reported with increasing frequency. The rupture typically occurs at the tendon insertion into the radial tuberosity in an area of preexisting tendon degeneration. The diagnosis is made on the basis of a history of a painful, tearing sensation in the antecubital region. Physical examination demonstrates a palpable and visible deformity of the distal biceps muscle belly with weakness in flexion and supination. The ability to palpate the tendon in the antecubital fossa may indicate partial tearing of the biceps tendon. Plain radiographs may show hypertrophic bone formation at the radial tuberosity. Magnetic resonance imaging is generally not required to diagnose a complete rupture but may be useful in the case of a partial rupture. Early surgical reattachment to the radial tuberosity is recommended for optimal results. A modified two-incision technique is the most widely used method of repair, but anterior single-incision techniques may be equally effective provided the radial nerve is protected. The patient with a chronic rupture may benefit from surgical reattachment, but proximal retraction and scarring of the muscle belly can make tendon mobilization difficult, and inadequate length of the distal biceps tendon may necessitate tendon augmentation. Postoperative rehabilitation must emphasize protected return of motion for the first 8 weeks after repair. Formal strengthening may begin as early as 8 weeks, with a return to unrestricted activities, including lifting, by 5 months.

Factors influencing compliance with home exercise programs among patients with upper-extremity impairment

OBJECTIVE

Patient cooperation and satisfaction with home exercise programs are important for successful outcomes of intervention. This study investigated factors from three models to predict increased compliance and satisfaction with home exercise programs: the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), including the volition subsystem (interests), habituation subsystem (roles), and performance subsystem (reported physical capacity); the Health Belief Model (HBM), including perceived barriers, benefits, self-efficacy, and severity; and the Health Locus of Control (HLOC).

METHOD

Sixty-two outpatients at an orthopedic upper-extremity rehabilitation facility completed a battery of questionnaires and self-report instruments, including a health belief survey to assess HBM factors, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, the Modified Activity Profile to assess the performance subsystem of the MOHO, a demographic questionnaire (including roles), a report of home exercise, and a satisfaction scale of their therapist's treatment. Compliance was determined by comparing participants' report of exercises performed to exercises specified on their medical chart.

RESULTS

Stepwise regression identified two predictors of compliance: perceived self-efficacy and internal HLOC, R2 = .16.

CONCLUSION

Results supported the role of the MOHO's volition subsystem, but roles and physical capacity--representing the habituation and performance subsystems of the MOHO--did not contribute significantly to the prediction of compliance.

Above-elbow amputation: a case study in restoring function

Functional goals and treatment are the basis for occupational therapy. Following upper extremity amputation patients can benefit significantly from a program that concentrates on setting and achieving functional goals. Few hand therapists have the opportunity to treat a large number of amputees. This case study of treatment of above-elbow amputation discusses the use of an activities of daily living form as an aid to developing and meeting short-term goals in treatment planning.

Functional outcomes of patients with multiple limb trauma

A retrospective chart review was performed to assess the effects of acute care hospital-based rehabilitation in patients with multiple limb trauma on functional status and length of stay and to determine whether the distribution of limbs involved has any effect on these variables. Admission and discharge motor Function Independence Measure scores and length of stay were compared for all patients and the injury subgroups. Significant functional gains were made between admission motor Functional Independence Measure (45.4+/-11.9) and discharge motor Functional Independence Measure (74.1+/-11.6; P < 0.05) for the group as a whole and across subgroups, with no significant differences between the subgroups. For all patients, the rehabilitation length of stay was 27.7+/-23.0, with again no difference noted between the subgroups. Individuals with functional deficits attributable to multiple limb trauma benefit significantly from comprehensive intensive acute inpatient rehabilitation. The distribution of limbs involved has little effect on functional outcome or length of stay.

[The naphthalan therapy of patients with gunshot trauma to the peripheral nervous system]

Naphthalan therapy was given to 48 patients with gun-shot injuries of peripheral nervous system. Clinico-electrophysiological assessment stated a regress of motor, sensitivity, vegetovascular and trophic damage after a course of naphthalan therapy, enhancement of regeneration, reinnervation, stimulation of repair in impaired nervous-muscular structures.

Determinants of use of outpatient rehabilitation services following upper extremity injury

This study documents the utilization of outpatient therapy services following upper extremity injury and identifies factors that influence the use of services. One hundred twelve patients admitted to a hand center for treatment of upper extremity injury were followed prospectively for 7 months to determine their utilization of therapy services and their perceptions of unmet need. Eighty percent of the patients used therapy services following their injury Those who were more severely injured, were female, had health insurance, or obtained disability compensation made more visits than other subjects. One third of the patients reported that they did not have an adequate number of therapy visits. Subjects cited various reasons (e.g., lack of insurance, transportation difficulties) for unmet need. These findings suggest that the variation in utilization of rehabilitation services depends on not only the severity of the injury but other patient characteristics and resources as well.

[Bioelectrostimulation in the rehabilitation of patients with gunshot wounds of the peripheral nervous system (a clinico-immunological study)]

Immune homeostasis was studied in 35 patients with gunshot injuries of the peripheral nerves in the process of rehabilitation using bioelectrostimulation of the muscles impaired. Parameters of cellular and humoral immunity were determined. Bioelectrostimulation resulted in the regression of preexisting motor, sensitive, vegetovascular and trophic disorders. Cellular and humoral immunity improved: the number of T-lymphocytes, T-helpers, T-suppressors increased, the immunoregulatory index normalized, levels of B-lymphocytes, immunoglobulins G, circulating immune complexes reduced. Thus, bioelectrostimulation in patients with gunshot injuries of the peripheral nerves corrects the disturbed homeostasis and promotes recovery of the functions lost.

Incidence, acute care length of stay, and discharge to rehabilitation of traumatic amputee patients: an epidemiologic study

OBJECTIVE

To examine patterns of trauma-related amputations over time by age and gender of the patient and by level and type of amputation, and to explore factors affecting acute care length of stay and discharge to inpatient rehabilitation.

DESIGN

Population-based hospital discharge data for Maryland from 1979 through 1993.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (N = 6,069) discharged with either (1) a principal or secondary diagnosis of a trauma-related amputation to the upper or lower extremity or (2) a procedure code for a lower or upper limb amputation in combination with a principal diagnosis of an extremity injury or injury-related complication.

RESULTS

Incidence of major amputations declined 3.4% (p < .05) annually from 1.88 per 100,000 in 1979 to 1.07 per 100,000 in 1993. Incidence of minor amputations declined 4.8% (p < .05) annually from 10.8 per 100,000 in 1979 to 4.7 per 100,000 in 1993. Acute care length of stay for trauma-related amputations declined 40% over the study period and was significantly affected by the patient's payer source, amputation level, and injury characteristics. Of the patients with a major amputation, 15% were discharged to inpatient rehabilitation; 60% were discharged directly home. More proximal amputation levels, presence of severe injuries to other body systems, and acute care at a designated trauma center significantly increased the likelihood of disposition to inpatient rehabilitation. The leading causes of trauma-related amputation were injuries involving machinery (40.1%), powered tools and appliances (27.8%), firearms (8.5%), and motor vehicle crashes (8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest a substantial decline in incidence rates of both major and minor amputations over the 15-year study period, a low rate of disposition to inpatient rehabilitation services of patients sustaining major amputations, and an apparent role of firearms as a cause of trauma-related amputations in patients younger than 25 years of age. The consequences of increasingly shorter acute care hospital stays and low rates of discharge to inpatient rehabilitation on the long-term outcomes of persons who have had traumatic amputation should be examined.

[A morphofunctional validation of the use of electrostimulation by paired impulses combined with vibromassage for the treatment of patients with trauma to the peripheral nerves of the extremities]

The exposure to paired electric impulses and vibromassage promotes completeness of repair in the treatment of injured peripheral nerves of the limb. The effect is achieved due to marked stimulation of myelinization and differentiation of the nerve fibers, regeneration of the nerve system in the denervated muscle.

Time course of changes in bilateral arm power of swimmers during recovery from injury using a swim bench

OBJECTIVES

There has been little research on the time course of recovery from injury in athletes. This is especially the case for recovery in arm power in injured swimmers. The purpose of this study was to compare the power output of the injured and non-injured arms of swimmers during recovery from injury by use of a maximal exercise test on a computer interfaced isokinetic swim bench.

METHODS

Thirteen swimmers (five men and eight women; age 18.8 (3.2) years; stature 1.76 (0.05) m; body mass 61.7 (5.9) kg; mean (SD)) gave written informed consent and were recruited to this study throughout a three year period. All subjects had experienced non-aquatic soft tissue injury to their dominant-side shoulder or upper arm in the three months before participation, but had been allowed to return to swimming training. All of the subjects had injured their dominant arm and the mean time for absence from training was 3.7 (1.1) weeks. At return to training and at four, eight, and twelve weeks thereafter, subjects performed two all-out 30 second tests on the swim bench by simulating the swimming arm action. From these tests, peak power output (PPO), mean power output (MPO), and power decay (PD) for each arm during the 30 seconds of exercise could be determined by averaging the two tests. The differences between return to training and the four, eight, and twelve week periods were analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance with Tukey b post hoc test.

RESULTS

The repeated testing showed 95% confidence intervals of +/- 11.4 W for PPO, +/- 9.5 W for MPO and +/- 0.5 for PD. When the swimmers returned to training the results showed that PPO was 179 (21.9) v 111 (18.1) W (P = 0.02), MPO was 122 (9.8) v 101 (8.8) W (P = 0.01), and PD was 2.5 (0.6) v 5.2 (1.9) (P = 0.001) for non-injured and injured arms respectively (all values mean (SEM)). There were similar differences at four weeks which disappeared after eight weeks, except for that of PPO which was still evident (187.3 (21.9) v 156.8 (18.1) W; P = 0.01). At 12 weeks there were no differences between the non-injured and injured arm on any of the indices of arm power (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that, using the swim bench power test, differences in bilateral arm power output after injury persist for at least eight weeks after return to swimming training. These findings support the need for prolonged rehabilitation after such injury. This would best include physiotherapy and a training programme within which special consideration is given to the recuperation process.

An epidemic of roller-blade injuries in children

Roller blading is a new and increasingly popular leisure activity in many countries. We reviewed 110 consecutive patients with roller-blade injuries between 1 January and 30 June 1996. The patients ranged from 4 to 14 years in age (mean 6.5 years). Eighty-three (75.4%) sustained injuries to the upper limb and 27 (24.5%) injured the lower limb. Fifty-six patients, were girls and 54 were boys. Of the 110 patients, 79 (72.7%) sustained fractures, 28 (25.4%) soft tissue injuries and 3 (2.7%) dislocations. Eighty-three (75.4%) of the patients wore no protective equipment on the limbs. Four months following injury 103 (93.6%) patients were fully recovered. The mean duration of school absence was 3 days. Subsequently 101 children returned to using roller-blades following injury. Seventy-three (66.3%) of these now use protective equipment. We found that injuries were unrelated to age or duration of roller-blading experience or to the brand-name of roller blades used, and that most of our patients wore no protective equipment at the time of injury.

[The rehabilitation of the wounded with combat injuries to the extremities]

In the article necessity of organization of system of rehabilitation of the wounds in the limbs is emphasized, its main rules, components, problems and methods are opened. Due to early specialized surgical care in combination to modern conservative grant terms of stationary treatment are much reduced, in 2 times quantity of good remote results is increased, in 3 times number of bad outcomes, in 1.5 time--number of retired, on 15.2%--physical inability are reduced. Ways of further perfection of system of complex rehabilitation treatment are planned.

Rehabilitation of patient with brachial plexus lesion and break in axillary artery. Case study

This paper describes the physiotherapy and occupational therapy used in treating a 74-year-old woman with a left brachial plexus lesion, a break in the axillary artery, dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint, a broken scapula and clavicula, serial left rib fractures, and lacerations on the upper and lower arm. After testing the patient, the following goals were set: reduce pain, soften scar tissue, and improve joint motion, muscle strength, and functionality of the hand. A 12-month outpatient program was used. Various analgesics were used to reduce pain, and a special aid was made to unweight the shoulder and elbow joints. Physiotherapy included kinesiotherapy, audiovisual biofeedback, electrical stimulation, friction massage, and lymph drainage. Occupational therapy included active functional exercises and re-education. As a result of this program, the patient no longer had pain, passive range of motion was close to normal, active motion where present was improved, swelling was reduced, and the hand became functional again. Complex physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and the patient's motivation resulted in the rehabilitation of severe trauma of the hand.

Development of an upper extremity outcome measure: the DASH (disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand) [corrected]. The Upper Extremity Collaborative Group (UECG)

This paper describes the development of an evaluative outcome measure for patients with upper extremity musculoskeletal conditions. The goal is to produce a brief, self-administered measure of symptoms and functional status, with a focus on physical function, to be used by clinicians in daily practice and as a research tool. This is a joint initiative of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), the Council of Musculoskeletal Specialty Societies (COMSS), and the Institute for Work and Health (Toronto, Ontario). Our approach is consistent with previously described strategies for scale development. In Stage 1, Item Generation, a group of methodologists and clinical experts reviewed 13 outcome measurement scales currently in use and generated a list of 821 items. In Stage 2a, Initial Item Reduction, these 821 items were reduced to 78 items using various strategies including removal of items which were generic, repetitive, not reflective of disability, or not relevant to the upper extremity or to one of the targeted concepts of symptoms and functional status. Items not highly endorsed in a survey of content experts were also eliminated. Stage 2b, Further Item Reduction, will be based on results of field testing in which patients complete the 78-item questionnaire. This field testing, which is currently underway in 20 centers in the United States, Canada, and Australia, will generate the final format and content of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Future work includes plans for validity and reliability testing.

Prognosis of nonspecific work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the neck and upper extremity

Reviews of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMD) of the neck and upper extremity have typically supplied little information on prognosis. This paper reports on the methods and results of a systematic search for evidence on clinical course and prognosis of nonspecific WMD i.e., those without specific clinical diagnoses. Articles were deemed relevant if they provided primary data on current or former worker cases of WMD followed over time. WMD status had to be based on clinical evaluations. The 13 studies which met these criteria were evaluated using clinical epidemiological criteria for validity of prognostic studies. None of the studies was sufficiently strong across the criteria to provide more than weaker evidence on prognosis. Prognostic factors with promise include duration of symptoms and workplace demands. In order to improve the evidence on prognosis of WMD, we recommend closer attention to the following: clear operational definition of cases; documentation of prognostic factors including duration of symptoms and severity at baseline; incorporation of multiple follow-up assessments; inclusion of a range of outcomes; and analysis using stratified or multivariate methods.

Controlled active mobilization following surgical repair of the avulsed radial attachment of the biceps brachii muscle: a case report

Traumatic disruption of the radial attachment of the biceps brachii muscle may require surgical reattachment to obtain and maintain optimum anatomical relationships and ensure return to full, unlimited activity, particularly in the young athletic patient with high muscle performance demands. Postoperative evaluation and care following surgical reattachment of the avulsed radial tendon of the biceps brachii muscle has not previously been reported in the rehabilitation literature. The purpose of this case study is to report successful treatment of a gymnast using static splinting, controlled active mobilization of the elbow, and strengthening exercises following surgical reattachment of the avulsed radial attachment of the biceps brachii muscle.