Patterns of research utilization among Certified Hand Therapists.

Study Design: Mixed methods, cross-sectional.

Introduction: Nearly 30% of Certified Hand Therapists rarely or never use research findings when treating carpal tunnel syndrome.

Purpose Of The Study: To identify groups of CHTs with common research utilization patterns.

Predicting intentions to use research evidence for carpal tunnel syndrome treatment decisions among certified hand therapists.

Introduction: Research evidence is not routinely used for clinical decisions among rehabilitation practitioners. The purpose of this study was to model the predictors of intention to use research evidence for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) clinical decisions among certified hand therapists (CHTs).

Methods: A total of 308 American CHTs (M age = 46 years, SD = 8.

Clinical decision making and therapists' autonomy in the context of flexor tendon rehabilitation.

Sound clinical decision making (CDM) is one critical factor in the delivery of quality health care. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine therapists' autonomy in CDM, to describe therapists' clinical reasons influencing CDM, and to describe the influence of autonomy on actual clinical practice. A survey was distributed to 754 hand therapists and descriptive statistics was performed.

Reliability and validity of the Milliken Activities of Daily Living Scale.

Development of a self-report measure of activity limitation that combines measures of ability with necessity is described. The history of the Milliken Activities of Daily Living Scale (MAS) is traced, and the current measure is described. The test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the MAS is studied.

Current practice patterns of flexor tendon rehabilitation.

The rehabilitation of persons with repaired lacerations of their finger flexor tendons requires a precise therapeutic approach. But optimal therapy is often difficult to ascertain, given the plethora of postoperative regimens published in the scientific literature. The purpose of the survey was to describe current and historical practice patterns of therapists rehabilitating intrasynovial flexor tendon repairs.

Pyramid of progressive force exercises to the injured flexor tendon.

Postoperative rehabilitation for patients who have sustained a laceration to their flexor tendon apparatus is an important factor in maximizing functional outcome. Quality rehabilitation is characterized by the development of a tailored exercise regimen. There is currently no model available to tailor an exercise regimen for a person with an atypical physiologic response pattern.