Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy最新文献

Background and purpose: Pain is a frequent symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). Algometry as a method to measure pressure pain threshold (PPT) has not yet been validated for test-retest reliability and construct validity in persons with MS (pwMS). This research aims to investigate the test-retest reliability and construct validity of the pressure algometry for pain in MS.

Methods: Sixty pwMS with pain were included (mean age: 51.08 ± 11.61, Expanded Disability Status Scale [IQR]: 3.75 [3.3]). The reliability (test-retest, measurement error) and construct validity (hypothesis testing) were analyzed. A digital algometer (Somedic Sales AB, Hörby, Sweden) was applied perpendicularly and bilaterally on the trapezius muscle, thumbnails, low back, and quadriceps muscle to assess local PPTs. Three trials were performed on each body site, and the mean of the trials was used for statistical analysis. To investigate test-retest reliability, participants repeated the testing at 3- to 8-day intervals.

Results: PPTs obtained by algometry showed good to excellent test-retest reliability (ICC [95% CI]: 0.82 [0.70-0.89]-0.91 [0.85-0.95]) in 4 different body parts. PPT measures had significant negative moderate correlations with pain outcome measures (the Neuropathic Pain Scale, Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory, Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form, Douleur Neuropathique en 4, and painDETECT) (Spearman's rho = -0.265 to -0.456) and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (Spearman's r = -0.281 to -0.392). Weak nonsignificant correlations were found between PPT measures and clinical variables (Spearman's r = -0.201 to 0.227).

Discussion and conclusions: PPT measurement can reliably assess pain in MS with weak to moderate validity in the neck, thumbnails, lower back, and legs.

Background: Sustainable utilization of neurology and allied health professions' services is pivotal for effective management of Parkinson disease (PD) and is correlated with positive health-related outcomes.

Objectives: (1) To describe the utilization of neurology and allied health services by people with PD (PwP); (2) to explore the associations between demographic and structural variables and utilization; and (3) to test associations between utilization and unplanned hospitalizations.

Methods: A retrospective observational cohort study of 1761 PwP in the years 2014-2019 was conducted. Utilization of neurology and allied health services was mapped. Regression models were examined to test associations between demographic and structural variables, utilization of neurology and physical therapy (PT), and unplanned hospitalizations.

Results: Approximately 50% of the study population utilized neurology services. Utilization rate of allied health services ranged between 0% and 19%. The likelihood of utilizing neurology services increased for people with extended health insurance and people with more years since diagnosis and decreased for women and for people living at a great distance from a neurology service. The likelihood of utilizing PT increased for Jews and people with extended health insurance and decreased for people with more years since diagnosis and for people living at a great distance from a PT service. Among patients with fewer years since diagnosis (<5 years), those who utilized PT had a higher likelihood of unplanned hospitalization.

Conclusions: Neurology and allied health services are underutilized by PwP, particularly by minorities and women. Policymakers should take proactive steps to increase utilization.

Video abstract available: for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A496 ).

Background and purpose: Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) effectively treats some of the motor manifestations of Parkinson disease (PD). However, previous work suggests STN-DBS may lead to worsening of balance and gait in some people with PD. Physical therapy (PT) is often used to improve balance and gait in PD, but its safety, feasibility, and efficacy have not been tested in people with STN-DBS. The purpose of this study was to test the safety, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of PT for improving gait and balance in persons with PD and STN-DBS.

Methods: This randomized pilot study compared the effects of an 8-week PT intervention ( n = 15) on balance and gait to a usual care control group ( n = 14) among people with PD with STN-DBS. Individuals were evaluated in the on medication/on stimulation state as well as off medication/off stimulation state.

Results: PT was safe as there were no serious adverse events during treatment. PT was feasible as the average percentage of session attendance was 93%. PT significantly improved balance as measured by the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) in the on medication/on stimulation state but did not significantly improve gait. No significant differences between groups were found in the off medication/off stimulation state.

Discussion and conclusions: PT was safe, feasible, and may improve balance for individuals with PD with STN-DBS. Further work is needed to understand how modifying the frequency and intensity of PT interventions may impact balance and gait in individuals with STN-DBS.

Background and purpose: This cross-sectional study aimed to (1) establish the safety and tolerability of head-mounted display (HMD) assessment of sensory integration for postural control in participants with chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI); (2) investigate whether responses to visual and auditory cues differ between persons with TBI and healthy controls; and (3) evaluate the relationship between postural responses, postural visual dependence, and self-reported perception of disability.

Methods: 20 healthy adults and 19 participants with TBI completed an HMD assessment of with visual and auditory perturbations. Head sway was quantified as a directional path in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions. Participants also completed the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI).

Results: All participants completed testing. The average change in SSQ scores from pre to post postural control assessment was 0.8 points for healthy controls and 3.2 points for participants with TBI. Head sway in the TBI group was consistently higher in both directions, especially with dynamic visuals. In addition, a significant sound by visual by group interaction in the mediolateral direction indicates that participants with TBI responded more to the visual perturbations when sounds were present. Under the most challenging conditions, people with mild-to-moderate dizziness handicap showed little head sway, while those with severe symptoms were more variable.

Discussion and conclusions: HMD assessment of participants with TBI is feasible and provides a clinic-based assessment of postural visual dependence in this population. This assessment carries the potential to evaluate postural control and monitor progress of participants with TBI.

Background and purpose: Muscle strength is important for functional independence after a stroke. Given the rise in telerehabilitation, there is a need to study the measurement properties of virtually administered performance-based measures. The purpose of this study was to assess the validity and responsiveness of a virtually administered 30-second chair stand test (30sCST-Virtual) in people with stroke.

Methods: Thirty-two hypotheses were generated about construct validity and responsiveness using several outcome measures (Stroke Impact Scale, strength domain [SIS-S], Timed Up and Go [TUG], Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale, Fugl-Meyer Lower Extremity Assessment, Functional Reach Test, and SIS cognition domain). Hypotheses were tested using Spearman's correlations. Scores on the 30sCST-Virtual were compared between higher- and lower-functioning participants using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) with Wilcoxon rank-sum tests to assess known-groups validity.

Results: Sixty-seven participants ( n = 19 female, 9.3 months post-stroke) with mild to moderate stroke were included. The 30sCST-Virtual demonstrated acceptable construct validity and responsiveness, as 14 (82%) and 12 (80%) hypotheses were confirmed, respectively. Its baseline scores were most highly correlated with the TUG ( r = - 0.64) and change scores with the SIS-S ( r = 0.35). The 30sCST-Virtual scores were also lower in those with lower function using the mRS (median difference [MD] = 4.0 repetitions, P < 0.001) and NIHSS (MD = 3.5 repetitions, P = 0.003), meeting our hypotheses for known-groups validity.

Discussion and conclusions: The 30sCST-Virtual demonstrated acceptable construct validity and responsiveness, as well as adequate known-groups validity. It was also moderately correlated with other measures of physical function, indicating that the 30sCST-Virtual may measure the construct of functional strength.

Video abstract available: For more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content available at http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A526 ).

Background and purpose: Enhancing health care through the implementation of evidence-based practices is a complex task, demanding specialized expertise and a distinct set of skills to facilitate success. A knowledge translation (KT) capacity-building initiative is a process that leads to greater individual, organizational, or system capabilities to translate high-quality evidence, such as clinical practice guidelines, into practice. The KT Summit, a KT capacity-building initiative, was developed by the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy and includes an in-person workshop, quarterly reports, mentoring for 2 years, and a funding opportunity. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the development, implementation, and outcomes of the KT Summit over a 6-year period.

Summary of key points: In this special interest article, we describe the KT Summit's development and evolution, application process, education and training format, curriculum, funding opportunity, outcomes, and lessons learned. Over the initial 3 cohorts, there was a notable increase in the number of projects initiated and groups. Furthermore, there was a substantial decline in the failure rate of projects, decreasing from 50% to 15% over time. This article outlines the reported contributors to success and the ways the participants used their KT education.

Recommendations for clinical practice: This article highlights an education and training method that resulted in successful implementation initiatives across several health care organizations. Factors that contributed to KT success included participating in the KT Summit, support from organizational leadership, and a local champion. More research is needed to evaluate the optimal components and economic outcomes of KT capacity-building initiatives.

Background and purpose: It is unknown whether persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) can retain sustained attention and gait quality during long-distance walking tests. This study aimed to investigate changes in sustained attention and gait parameters during prolonged walking in pwMS with different levels of disability and healthy controls (HCs) and correlations of these changes with self-reported daily life difficulties.

Methods: The 6-Minute Walk Test was performed with an auditory sustained attention task while wearing inertial measurement sensors. Participants were asked to respond verbally as quickly as possible to randomly presented auditory stimuli during 6 minutes of walking. The accuracy of answers, average reaction time, and gait parameters per minute were determined.

Results: Thirty pwMS with mild disability (Expanded Disease Status Scale [EDSS] < 4.0), 16 pwMS with moderate-to-severe disability (EDSS 4.0 to 6.5), and 27 age-gender matched HCs were included. A significant group-by-time interaction effect as found for reactions times, which increased in mild and moderate-to-severe disability groups but not in HCs. Gait parameters deteriorated over time in all groups, but no significant group-by-time interaction was found. The decrease in sustained attention was not related to changes in gait or clinical outcomes, while deterioration in gait parameters was associated with perceived walking disability and dual-task difficulties in daily life.

Discussion and conclusions: Sustained attention during walking declined over time in pwMS, but not in HCs. However, gait parameters deteriorated in all groups. Worsening gait during simultaneous cognitive task execution may contribute to walking and dual-task difficulties in pwMS.

Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A520.