Affiliations: [a] Department of Rehabilitation, Radboud University Medical Centre, Centre for Evidence Based Practice, Nijmegen, The Netherlands | [b] Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands | [c] Center for Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands | [d] Program in Clinical Health Sciences, Physical Therapy Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands | [e] Department of Neurology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Donders Centre for Neuroscience, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Jos IJspeert, Department of Rehabilitation, Radboud University Medical Centre, Centre for Evidence Based Practice, 898 Rehabilitation Physical Therapy, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 243614892; E-mail: j.ijspeert@reval.umcn.nl
Abstract: Background:Neuralgic Amyotrophy (NA) is characterized by neuropathic pain, subsequent patchy paresis and possible sensory loss in the upper extremity. Many patients experience difficulties in performing activities of daily life and are unable to resume work. We developed a combined physical- and occupational therapy program for patients recovering from NA. Objective:Evaluation of the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary intervention program for patients with subacute NA. Methods:We performed a within subject proof-of-principle pilot study in eight patients with subacute NA. Patients followed 8 hours of physical and 8 hours of occupational therapy spread over a 16-week period. Primary outcome measures: The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and Shoulder Rating Questionnaire (SRQ). Secondary outcome measure: Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH). Results:Improvements (mean (95% CI)) were found in the performance and satisfaction scores of the COPM +2.3 (0.9–3.7) and +1.4 (0.4–2.4) points, respectively and the SRQ +14.8 (7.4–22.0) points. The majority of patients (6 out of 8) also demonstrated improvements in the DASH. Conclusion:The proposed physical and occupational therapy program, may be effective for patients with subacute NA, as demonstrated by improvements in activity, performance and participation.
