The Efficacy of Functional Electrical Stimulation of the Abdominal Muscles in the Treatment of Chronic Constipation in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study.

Chronic constipation in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is common and the current methods of treatment are ineffective in some patients. Anecdotal observations suggest that functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the abdominal muscles may be effective in the management of constipation in these patients. Patients and Methods.

Predictive analysis for identifying potentially undiagnosed post-stroke spasticity patients in United Kingdom.

Purpose Of The Research: Spasticity is one of the well-recognized complications of stroke which may give rise to pain and limit patients' ability to perform daily activities. The predisposing factors and direct effects of post-stroke spasticity also involve high management costs in terms of healthcare resources, and case-control designs are required for establishing such differences. Using 'The Health Improvement Network' (THIN) database, such a study would not provide reliable estimates since the prevalence of post-stroke spasticity was found to be 2%, substantially below the most conservative previously reported estimates.

Classification of posture in poststroke upper limb spasticity: a potential decision tool for botulinum toxin A treatment?

A significant percentage of patients suffering from a stroke involving motor-relevant central nervous system regions will develop a spastic movement disorder. Hyperactivity of different muscle combinations forces the limbs affected into abnormal postures or movement patterns. As muscular hyperactivity can effectively and safely be treated with botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A), we present a classification of spastic arm movement patterns to support BoNT-A therapy of arm spasticity.

The profile of patients and current practice of treatment of upper limb muscle spasticity with botulinum toxin type A: an international survey.

To document the current practice in relation with the treatment of patients with upper limb spasticity with botulinum toxin type A to inform future research in this area. We designed an international, cross-sectional, noninterventional survey of current practice. Nine hundred and seventy-four patients from 122 investigational centres in 31 countries were studied.

Creating the optimal conditions for rehabilitation research.

Current evidence suggests that productivity in biomedical research depends on the support that the research group enjoys from its parent institution, the composition of the group and the personal attributes of its members and leader. Supportive institutions provide adequate physical resources and allow substantial uninterrupted time for research. The effectiveness of the research group asa whole is also strongly influenced by the group's structure, the professional competence of the group leader, his leadership style and his ability to foster collaboration with other research groups and organizations.

The use of botulinum toxin for the treatment of muscle spasticity in the first 2 years of life.

Although there are sound theoretical reasons for the use of botulinum toxin (Btx) as early as possible in the management of severe childhood muscle spasticity, the experience with its safety in children younger than 2 years of age is limited and information about its possible effects on the development and maturation of the human motor system is still scarce. This study discusses the rationale and the potential pitfalls of the use of Btx in the first 2 years of the child's life. It also reviews the currently available evidence on the efficacy and safety of Btx in this age group.