NeuroRehabilitation - Volume 13, issue 3

Authors: Marwitz, Jennifer H.

Article Type: Introduction

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1999-13301

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 133-133, 1999

Authors: Forrest, George | Qian, Xinru

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Review of the clinical studies of the efficacy of exercise in neuromuscular disease indicates that patients with neuromuscular disease can tolerate endurance and strength training without muscle breakdown. Patients with slowly progressive diseases can improve their strength and endurance by exercising. Muscle groups that are very weak (less than 10% strength) are not likely to benefit from resisted strength training.

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1999-13302

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 135-139, 1999

Authors: Nelson, Arthur J. | Certo, Lisa J. | Lembo, Laura S. | Lopez, Donna A. | Manfredonia, Emil F. | Vanichpong, Somsak K. | Zwick, Dalia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The purpose of the researchers was to determine if there is a difference in the Functional Ambulation Performance score and step/extremity ratio of senior adults with and without a history of falls walking at a preferred velocity. A random sample of twenty-four senior adults was selected to participate in this study. The participants underwent several tests for balance, strength, ankle flexibility, and foot sensation. Statistical analysis of the two groups demonstrated a significant decrease in FAP score for those with a history of falls. They had lower values for step/extremity ratios, mean normalized velocity, and greater values for step times, …heel to heel base of support, and percent in double support. There was also a significant decrease in balance, strength, and tactile sensation between the two groups. These findings suggest that there is a measurable decrease in the performance of gait in senior adults who have fallen that may be related to diminished strength, balance, and tactile sensation. Show more

Keywords: Functional Ambulation Performance, fallers, gait, elderly

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1999-13303

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 141-146, 1999

Authors: Bowen, Audrey | Tennant, Alan | Neumann, Vera | Chamberlain, M. Anne

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objectives: To determine whether a community-based, interdisciplinary, traumatic brain injury (TBI) team was more beneficial than existing services, and whether Early was better than Late intervention. Design: Subjects were consecutive hospital admissions. Assignment, to pre-discharge (Early), post-discharge (Late) intervention or control condition (existing services only), was by a prespecified timetable. Outcomes were compared at six months post-injury using logistic regression analyses. Results: 104 (73%) of those eligible participated. Adjusting for potential confounding factors confirmed a clinically plausible superior outcome for both intervention groups compared to the control group in some areas but not others. …These were not statistically significant (p>0.01). Conclusions: The lack of evidence of effectiveness must be treated with caution due to limitations with certain design issues (e.g. statistical power). Analysis of intervention data suggested that team-working took place but lack of experience may have hindered their efficacy at identifying all those in need of intervention. Show more

Keywords: traumatic brain injury, interdisciplinary, psychology, rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1999-13304

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 147-155, 1999

Authors: Parente, Rick | Kolakowsky-Hayner, Stephanie | Krug, Kevin | Wilk, Christopher

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The function of working memory has not been investigated in a brain injured population. There are no generally accepted measures of working memory. The degree to which these measures correlate with other measures of learning and performance is unclear. The results of several analyses indicated that working memory is a state of active processing that is more than memory span. The two measures of working memory used in this study predicted conventional measures of verbal and visual learning, and retention. They also predicted several different measures of academic skill. The results of a pilot study showed that various therapy activities …could improve functioning in working memory. Show more

Keywords: working memory, traumatic brain injury, cognitive rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1999-13305

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 157-163, 1999

Authors: Burnett, Derek M. | Kennedy, Richard E. | Cifu, David X. | Levenson, James

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Agitation during brain injury rehabilitation remains a significant impediment to expedient and effective care. While health care providers differ in their definition of agitation, it is agreed that treatment is usually best achieved using an interdisciplinary approach inclusive of: physiatry, psychiatry and rehabilitation professionals. Neuroleptic drugs have been used to effectively treat agitation but have a side effect profile that may have long-term consequences on cognition and motor recovery. This literature review presents the typical and atypical neuroleptics used to treat agitation, research in support of their use, guidelines for drug selection, and special considerations for trauma-related agitation in the …elderly brain injured population. Show more

Keywords: neuroleptics, agitation, brain injury, aggression, Haldol, delirium

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1999-13306

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 165-172, 1999

Authors: Brokaw, Jason P. | Cifu, David X. | Hardman, Joseph T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (LE DVT) is a fairly common condition among brain injury rehabilitation patients, occurring in up to 20% less common. However, its incidence is expected to increase due to the increasing usage of central venous catheterization (CVC). This paper reviews the course of treatment of a patient with recurrent malignant meningioma who was found to have four-extremity deep venous thrombosis on a baseline screening duplex Doppler ultrasonography at admission to an inpatient brain injury rehabilitation unit. The need for tumor embolization followed by surgical resection was felt to preclude chemical prophylaxis for DVT despite the significant …risk factors of; age >60, immobility, quadriplegia, surgery with anesthesia >30 minutes, and diagnosis of cancer. Aggressive anticoagulation with close clinical monitoring allowed for successful participation in a full rehabilitation with only a brief delay. The appropriate treatment of this patient is discussed in light of the latest research findings. Recommendations for future treatment protocols and research are made. Show more

Keywords: deep venous thromboses, brain injury

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1999-13307

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 173-178, 1999