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Ferraro F, Calafiore D, Curci C, Fortunato F, Carantini I, Genovese F, Lucchini G, Merlo A, Ammendolia A, de Sire A. Effects of intensive rehabilitation on functioning in patients with mild and moderate Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: a real-practice retrospective study. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:289-297. [PMID: 37552411 PMCID: PMC10761523 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06998-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is one of the most common inherited neuropathies and can lead to progressive muscular weakness, pes cavus, loss of deep tendon reflexes, distal sensory loss, and gait impairment. There are still no effective drugs or surgical therapies for CMT, and supportive treatment is limited to rehabilitative therapy and surgical treatment of skeletal deformities. Many rehabilitative therapeutic approaches have been proposed, but timing and cadence of rehabilitative intervention are not clearly defined, and long-term follow-up is lacking in literature. The aim of this real-practice retrospective study was to assess the effectiveness of an intensive neurorehabilitation protocol on muscle strength and functioning in CMT patients. We analyzed data of patients with diagnosis of mild to moderate CMT. The rehabilitation program lasted 2-4 h a day, 5 days a week, for 3 weeks and consisted of manual treatments, strengthening exercises, stretching, core stability, balance and resistance training, aerobic exercises, and tailored self-care training. Data were collected at baseline (T0), after treatment (T1), and at the 12-month mark (T2) in terms of the following outcome measures: muscle strength, pain, fatigue, cramps, balance, walking speed, and ability. We included 37 CMT patients with a median age of 50.72 ± 13.31 years, with different forms: demyelinating (n = 28), axonal (n = 8), and mixed (n = 1). After intensive rehabilitation treatment, all outcomes significantly improved. This improvement was lost at the 1-year mark. Taken together, these findings suggest that an intensive rehabilitation program improves short-term symptoms and functional outcomes in a cohort of inpatients affected by mild to moderate CMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ferraro
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Neurosciences, ASST Carlo Poma, 46100, Mantova, Italy
| | - Dario Calafiore
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Neurosciences, ASST Carlo Poma, 46100, Mantova, Italy
| | - Claudio Curci
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Neurosciences, ASST Carlo Poma, 46100, Mantova, Italy
| | - Francesco Fortunato
- Institute of Neurology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Irene Carantini
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Neurosciences, ASST Carlo Poma, 46100, Mantova, Italy
- ACMT-Rete per la malattia di Charcot-Marie-Tooth OdV Association, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Genovese
- ACMT-Rete per la malattia di Charcot-Marie-Tooth OdV Association, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Merlo
- LAM-Motion Analysis Laboratory, Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, San Sebastiano Hospital, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Correggio, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Antonio Ammendolia
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Hospital "Mater Domini", University of Catanzaro Magna Graecia, Via Campanella, 115-88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessandro de Sire
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Hospital "Mater Domini", University of Catanzaro Magna Graecia, Via Campanella, 115-88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
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Campanini I, Bò MC, Bassi MC, Damiano B, Scaltriti S, Lusuardi M, Merlo A. Outcome measures for assessing the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions on equinus foot deformity in post-stroke patients with triceps surae spasticity: A scoping review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287220. [PMID: 37824499 PMCID: PMC10569611 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Equinus foot deformity (EFD) is the most common deviation after stroke. Several physiotherapy interventions have been suggested to treat it. However, studies evaluating the efficacy of these treatments vary widely in terms of assessment modalities, type of data analysis, and nomenclature. This scoping review aimed to map current available evidence on outcome measures and the modalities employed to assess the effectiveness of physiotherapy programs for the reduction of triceps surae (TS) spasticity and EFD in patients with stroke. METHODS Scoping review methodological frameworks have been used. Three databases were investigated. Primary literature addressing TS spasticity in adult patients with stroke using physiotherapy interventions was included. Findings were systematically summarized in tables according to the intervention used, intervention dosage, control group, clinical, and instrumental outcome measures. RESULTS Of the 642 retrieved studies, 53 papers were included. TS spasticity was assessed by manual maneuvers performed by clinicians (mainly using the Ashworth Scale), functional tests, mechanical evaluation through robotic devices, or instrumental analysis and imaging (such as the torque-angle ratio, the H-reflex, and ultrasound images). A thorough critical appraisal of the construct validity of the scales and of the statistics employed was provided, particularly focusing on the choice of parametric and non-parametric approaches when using ordinal scales. Finally, the complexity surrounding the concept of "spasticity" and the possibility of assessing the several underlying active and passive causes of EFD, with a consequent bespoke treatment for each of them, was discussed. CONCLUSION This scoping review provides a comprehensive description of all outcome measures and assessment modalities used in literature to assess the effectiveness of physiotherapy treatments, when used for the reduction of TS spasticity and EFD in patients with stroke. Clinicians and researchers can find an easy-to-consult summary that can support both their clinical and research activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Campanini
- Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, LAM–Motion Analysis Laboratory, San Sebastiano Hospital, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Correggio (Reggio Emilia), Correggio, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Bò
- Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, LAM–Motion Analysis Laboratory, San Sebastiano Hospital, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Correggio (Reggio Emilia), Correggio, Italy
- Merlo Bioengineering, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Benedetta Damiano
- Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, LAM–Motion Analysis Laboratory, San Sebastiano Hospital, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Correggio (Reggio Emilia), Correggio, Italy
| | - Sara Scaltriti
- Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, LAM–Motion Analysis Laboratory, San Sebastiano Hospital, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Correggio (Reggio Emilia), Correggio, Italy
| | - Mirco Lusuardi
- Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS Reggio Emilia, Correggio, Italy
| | - Andrea Merlo
- Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, LAM–Motion Analysis Laboratory, San Sebastiano Hospital, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Correggio (Reggio Emilia), Correggio, Italy
- Merlo Bioengineering, Parma, Italy
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Misset B, Aegerter P, Boulkedid R, Alberti C, Baillard C, Guidet B, Beaussier M. Construction of reference criteria to admit patients to intermediate care units in France: a Delphi survey of intensivists, anaesthesiologists and emergency medicine practitioners (first part of the UNISURC project). BMJ Open 2023; 13:e072836. [PMID: 37487677 PMCID: PMC10373678 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES No consensus criteria describe the medical eligibility of the patients to intermediate care units (IMCUs). In this first part of the UNISURC project, we aimed to develop criteria based on a consensus of physicians from the main specialties involved in IMCU admission decisions. DESIGN We selected criteria from IMCU literature, scoring systems and intensive care unit nursing workload. We submitted these criteria to a panel of experts in a Delphi survey. We used a two-round Delphi survey procedure to assess the validity and feasibility of each criterion. SETTING Medical practitioners in either public or private French institutions and proposed by the national scientific societies of anaesthesiology, emergency medicine and intensive care. The Delphi rounds took place in 2015-2016. OUTCOME MEASURES Validity and feasibility of the proposed criteria; uniformity of the judgement across the primary specialty and the hospital category of the responders. RESULTS The criteria submitted to vote were classified as one of: chronic factor (CF); acute factor (AF); specific pathway (SP); nursing activity (NA) and hospital environment (HE). Of 189 experts invited, 81 (41%) responded to the first round and 62 of them (76%) responded to the second round. A definite selection of 63 items was made, distributed across 6 CF, 18 AF, 31 SP, 3 NA and 5 HE. Validity and feasibility were influenced by the specialty or the public/private status of the institution of the responders for a few items. CONCLUSION We created a set of 63 consensus criteria with acceptable validity and feasibility to assess the medical eligibility of the patients to IMCUs. The second part of the UNISURC project will assess the distribution of each criterion in a prospective multicentre national cohort. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02590172.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoît Misset
- Department of Intensive Care, Groupe hospitalier Paris Saint-Joseph, Paris, France
- Department of Intensive Care, CHU de Liege - Hopital du Sart Tilman, Liege, Belgium
- Paris University, Paris, France
- University of Rouen Normandie, Rouen, France
- University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Philippe Aegerter
- Epidemiology and Public Health Service, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicetre, France
- University of Versailles Saint-Quentin, Versailles, France
- INSERM CESP U1018, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Rym Boulkedid
- Unité d'Epidémiologie Clinique, INSERM CIC 1426, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris, France
| | | | - Christophe Baillard
- Paris University, Paris, France
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Guidet
- Department of Intensive Care, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Marc Beaussier
- Anesthesiology, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France
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Bernetti A, Ruggiero M, Ruiu P, Napoli M, D’Urzo R, Mancuso A, Mariani F, Tota L, Agostini F, Mangone M, Paoloni M. Analysis and Report of the Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Evaluation Activity in Patients Admitted to Acute Care Setting: An Observational Retrospective Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6039. [PMID: 37297646 PMCID: PMC10252334 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20116039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disability (both temporary and transitory, or definitive) might occur for the first time in a given patient after an acute clinical event. It is essential, whenever indicated, to undergo a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation assessment to detect disability and any need for rehabilitation early. Although access to rehabilitation services varies from country to country, it should always be governed by a PRM prescription. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present observational retrospective study is to describe consultancy activity performed by PRM specialists in a university hospital in terms of requests' typology, clinical questions, and rehabilitation setting assignment. METHODS Multiple parameters were analyzed (clinical condition, patient's socio-family background, and rehabilitation assessment scale scores) and a correlation analysis was performed between the analyzed characteristics and both the different clinical conditions and the assigned rehabilitation setting. RESULTS PRM evaluations of 583 patients from 1 May 2021 to 30 June 2022 were examined. Almost half of the total sample (47%) presented disability due to musculoskeletal conditions with a mean age of 76 years. The most frequently prescribed settings were home rehabilitation care, followed by intensive rehabilitation and long-term care rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest the high public health impact of musculoskeletal disorders, followed by neurological disorders. This is, however, without forgetting the importance of early rehabilitation to prevent other types of clinical conditions such as cardiovascular, respiratory, or internal diseases from leading to motor disability and increasing costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bernetti
- Department of Anatomical and Histological Sciences, Legal Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Ruggiero
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Pierangela Ruiu
- Department of Anatomical and Histological Sciences, Legal Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Napoli
- Department of Anatomical and Histological Sciences, Legal Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella D’Urzo
- Department of Anatomical and Histological Sciences, Legal Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Mancuso
- Department of Anatomical and Histological Sciences, Legal Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio Mariani
- Department of Anatomical and Histological Sciences, Legal Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tota
- Department of Anatomical and Histological Sciences, Legal Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Agostini
- Department of Anatomical and Histological Sciences, Legal Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Mangone
- Department of Anatomical and Histological Sciences, Legal Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Paoloni
- Department of Anatomical and Histological Sciences, Legal Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Poulos RG, Cole AM, Warner KN, Faux SG, Nguyen TA, Kohler F, Un FC, Alexander T, Capell JT, Hilvert DR, O'Connor CM, Poulos CJ. Developing a model for rehabilitation in the home as hospital substitution for patients requiring reconditioning: a Delphi survey in Australia. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:113. [PMID: 36737750 PMCID: PMC9895972 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09068-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reconditioning for patients who have experienced functional decline following medical illness, surgery or treatment for cancer accounts for approximately 26% of all reported inpatient rehabilitation episodes in Australia. Rehabilitation in the home (RITH) has the potential to offer a cost-effective, high-quality alternative for appropriate patients, helping to reduce pressure on the acute care sector. This study sought to gain consensus on a model for RITH as hospital substitution for patients requiring reconditioning. METHODS A multidisciplinary group of health professionals working in the rehabilitation field was identified from across Australia and invited to participate in a three-round online Delphi survey. Survey items followed the patient journey, and also included items on practitioner roles, clinical governance, and budgetary considerations. Survey items mostly comprised statements seeking agreement on 5-point Likert scales (strongly agree to strongly disagree). Free text boxes allowed participants to qualify item answers or make comments. Analysis of quantitative data used descriptive statistics; qualitative data informed question content in subsequent survey rounds or were used in understanding item responses. RESULTS One-hundred and ninety-eight health professionals received an invitation to participate. Of these, 131/198 (66%) completed round 1, 101/131 (77%) completed round 2, and 78/101 (77%) completed round 3. Consensus (defined as ≥ 70% agreement or disagreement) was achieved on over 130 statements. These related to the RITH patient journey (including patient assessment and development of the care plan, case management and program provision, and patient and program outcomes); clinical governance and budgetary considerations; and included items for initial patient screening, patient eligibility and case manager roles. A consensus-based model for RITH was developed, comprising five key steps and the actions within each. CONCLUSIONS Strong support amongst survey participants was found for RITH as hospital substitution to be widely available for appropriate patients needing reconditioning. Supportive legislative and payment systems, mechanisms that allow for the integration of primary care, and appropriate clinical governance frameworks for RITH are required, if broad implementation is to be achieved. Studies comparing clinical outcomes and cost-benefit of RITH to inpatient rehabilitation for patients requiring reconditioning are also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roslyn G Poulos
- HammondCare, Sydney, Australia
- School of Population Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew M Cole
- HammondCare, Sydney, Australia
- School of Population Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kerry N Warner
- HammondCare, Sydney, Australia
- School of Population Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Steven G Faux
- School of Population Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tuan-Anh Nguyen
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Friedbert Kohler
- HammondCare, Sydney, Australia
- School of Population Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Tara Alexander
- Australasian Rehabilitation Outcomes Centre, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Jacquelin T Capell
- Australasian Rehabilitation Outcomes Centre, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | | | - Claire Mc O'Connor
- HammondCare, Sydney, Australia
- School of Population Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Christopher J Poulos
- HammondCare, Sydney, Australia.
- School of Population Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia.
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Muscat F, Camilleri L, Attard C, Lungaro Mifsud S. Inpatient Geriatric Rehabilitation: Definitions and Appropriate Admission Criteria, as Established by Maltese National Experts. J Clin Med 2022; 11:7230. [PMID: 36498804 PMCID: PMC9736396 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11237230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The importance of having an appropriate admissions system for geriatric rehabilitation is on the increase. However, the process of admitting patients to inpatient rehabilitation is a complex process. This is yet to be standardised across the European Union, as the approach to geriatric rehabilitation tends to vary from one Member State to another. (2) Objective: To discuss evidence-based practice with clinical experts, in order to define geriatric rehabilitation and admission criteria based on the Maltese population. (3) Method: The study entailed conducting four panel sessions using a purposive sample of thirteen local clinicians with extensive knowledge in clinical rehabilitation and healthcare management. A total of 48 items, based on the literature and clinical experience, were presented to the panel. Data analysis was done quantitatively and qualitatively, using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 24 and thematic analysis. (4) Results: The panel formulated a definition of rehabilitation, which shared common elements with the definition provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other sources/literature. The panel agreed on a list of eight criteria for appropriate inpatient geriatric rehabilitation admission in Malta. Consensus was also reached on: the need for a consultant-led multidisciplinary approach to assessment; the adoption of a standardised assessment processes for an equitable chance for all older adults assessed; the benefit of digital health in assessments; and the consideration that most patients would have some form of rehabilitation potential, depending on availability of resources. (5) Conclusion: Inpatient geriatric rehabilitation hospitals should have a unified strategy for rehabilitation services. The conclusions reached by the panel, could be useful in supporting the clinical evidence and establishing future rehabilitation guidelines and standards for inpatient rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Muscat
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, MSD 2090 Msida, Malta
| | - Liberato Camilleri
- Statistics and Operations Research, Faculty of Science, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta
| | - Conrad Attard
- Computer Information Systems, Faculty of ICT, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta
| | - Stephen Lungaro Mifsud
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, MSD 2090 Msida, Malta
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Campanini I, Bò MC, Salsi F, Bassi MC, Damiano B, Scaltriti S, Lusuardi M, Merlo A. Physical therapy interventions for the correction of equinus foot deformity in post-stroke patients with triceps spasticity: A scoping review. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1026850. [DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1026850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveEquinus foot deformity (EFD) is the most common deformity following a stroke. Several approaches have been suggested for its correction, including pharmacological, surgical, and physical therapy (PT) interventions. This scoping review aims to map and synthesize the available evidence focusing on physical therapy treatments for EFD caused by triceps surae (TS) spasticity.MethodsScoping review methodological frameworks have been used. Pubmed, Cinahl, and Cochrane databases were searched for primary literature. Studies focusing on the treatment of EFD in adult stroke patients were included only when the intervention involved PT treatments and presented at least one outcome measure for the functional and/or structural condition of the TS. Data were systematically collected and reported in tables inclusive of type of intervention, sample characteristics, dosage, comparators, outcomes, follow-up timeline, and treatment efficacy. A narrative synthesis was also added.ResultsOf the 642 experimental or observational screened studies, 53 were included, focusing on stretching exercises, shock waves, electrical stimulation, dry needling, TENS, vibration therapy, ultrasounds, cryotherapy, and active physiotherapy. Patients with EFD benefited from specific physical therapy treatments. These usually resulted in Modified Ashworth Scale reduction, typically by 1 point, and an increase in ROM. Interventions consisting of shock waves, dry needling, and electrostimulation showed the best results in reducing EFD. Heterogeneous dosage and delivery mode generally limited conclusions.ConclusionsThis scoping review summarized available primary literature based on PT treatments for the correction of EFD. By highlighting the remaining gaps in knowledge, it provides a reference for future studies on this pathology. Further investigations are necessary to pinpoint the best dosage and delivery methods. Future studies should investigate whether early rehabilitation programs started during the acute phase might help prevent or limit the development of secondary deformities.
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Agius Anastasi A, Zammit S. Referrals for inpatient rehabilitation and the patient selection processes: Pre-pandemic challenges as a guide towards reforms moving forward. JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDICS, TRAUMA AND REHABILITATION 2022. [PMCID: PMC9006098 DOI: 10.1177/22104917221092162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To analyse data related to the referral, selection and admission processes for inpatient rehabilitation at Karin Grech Hospital, Malta. Examining pre-pandemic challenges faced can guide reform towards a more sustainable use of inpatient rehabilitation services. Methods: Referrals and outcomes of all patients referred for inpatient rehabilitation between April and August, 2018 were analysed. Results: 47% of patients referred for inpatient rehabilitation were accepted, with an average time to transfer of 4.84 days. Of the 53% deemed unsuitable, the commonest reasons were: excessively high level of independence (22%), non-weight-bearing restriction (12%) and patient refusal (12%). 90% of inpatients in rehabilitation were discharged home, 7% were transferred back due to acute complications and 1 patient was transferred to a residential home. Out of all referrals, 14 passed away within 1 year, two of these within 8 days of referral. Conclusions: Identifying unsuitable referrals for inpatient rehabilitation can avoid inappropriate admissions that would otherwise decrease bed availability and increase waiting times. Basing patient selection on key principles can thence ensure efficient and sustainable rehabilitation services moving forward.
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